₦airaland Forum

ON THE PROPOSED AIRPORT PROJECT IN EBONYI STATE


Philip Nweze

Surprises are never in short supply in this government. Every new day brings in new tidings.

The Governor of Ebonyi, Engr David Umahi, was in the news again earlier in the week after he announced that the State Government would embark on the construction of an airport in the state, the third in the South East geo-political zone. The Governor was said to have given the commitment while receiving a delegation of Ethiopian Airlines officials, who paid a courtesy visit on him at the Government House, Abakiliki.

Expectedly, the project would be getting off the ground by next year. A lot of the details are not yet known but it seems that the technical team would work with the state government’s consultants on technical evaluation of the project and topographical details of the site starting from first quarter of next year.

As unbelievable as it sounds, the salt of the nation is currently preparing to open its doors to the world as soon as the half decade long project wraps up in the state. Many investors are overlooking opportunities in Ebonyi and, fundamentally, air connectivity is essential to the prospects for this particular development.

Airports are necessary economic drivers which could spell new growth economically for any state. Airports are windows of any community in a country. They are inevitable for a community that wants to be connected to other communities within and outside a country. It will generate employment where they are located, and there will be emergence of other social services anywhere they are located.

However, ever since the pronouncement was made, it has set the social media corridors on fire, drawing varied reactions from Nigerians. Although, the move by the state government is in line with the Nigerian Aviation Act 2016 which allowed individuals, state governments and the federal government to own airports, there seemed to be reservations.

For a project of this magnitude, Finance is a major potential road block and some pessimists are already suspicious if a project requiring so much capital would materialise in a financially challenged state like ours. Cost analysis for airport planning, design and construction sits in the region of millions of dollars. No comprehensive cost control strategy can change this

To these pessimists, the idea of an airport project by a state at the lowest rung of the nation's federal allocation seems Impossible! Even laughable!

When it comes to the airport terminal itself, many aspects of its design are rigid – the requirement for baggage, security and IT systems, for example – and generally are not subject to cost compromises. 

In addition, the global economy and ever-changing business models of the airlines also compound already intense cost pressures associated with such large-scale capital projects.

But Governor Umahi had carefully dropped this line to the doubting Thomases: “There is nothing we say we would do in this government that we cannot do.

They must have forgotten we are talking about a Governor who raised up three giant flyovers from the rubbles of an empty treasury. The magician who makes omellet without eggs! And brings water out of dry rocks to quench the thirst of civil servants.

It is instructive to note that Governor Umahi had never made a promise he didn't fulfil.

THE TRUTH SURROUNDING GOVERNOR UMAHI'S RUMOURED DEFECTION



By Philip Nweze


Contrary to the ongoing rumour which indicates that the incumbent governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi is eyeing the 2019 governorship seat, under the platform of APC and has in fact jumped ship from his Peoples Democratic Party, the governor has disclosed that he has no such intention.


The governor came out publicly to clear the air on the issue on Tuesday before commencing the weekly state executive council, at the EXCO chambers, Government House, Abakaliki.


Just like earlier, the rumour sprouted from the springboard of the governor's closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari.


Apparently, there are persons within and outside the state that perceive the cordial and progressive relationship that exists between the Governor and the Presidency as inimical to their personal and political interests and aspirations, especially in the light of several national assignments that the Governor is successfully carrying out at the behest of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.


Since it appears every dastardly attempt at souring the relationship between the State and the Federal Government has borne no fruit so far, they decided to feed the rumour mill with non-existent news of defection to APC just to sow confusion in PDP and upset the current political balance in the state. But without proof, this claim is instantly diminished before discerning Ebonyians.


The general public is hereby advised to disregard the report as it is totally false and does not have the slightest semblance of truth.


Despite the repeated rebuttal of this false report in the past, these vendors of untruth have continued to plant misleading information in the media about a false defection of Governor Umahi to one party today and another party tomorrow.


Nevertheless, we are not unaware that a major motive for the planting of these lies is to distract the governor from focusing on his job and consequently derail the steady and assured March of Ebonyi State to prosperity. So, we shall continue to rebut their malignant lies and save the populace from their corrosive influence.


We also advise PDP faithful, Ebonyi people and the general public to be mindful of any reports alleging that Governor Umahi has either decamped or is planning to decamp as it is nothing better than a false piece of irritating propaganda that should be ignored by responsible citizens.


This rumours are not ordinary. This is continuation of the battle of 2015. They have started again. The agenda of 2015 is still very much alive, and that agenda of 2015 was to destroy, rubbish and finish Umahi politically. The agenda was an agenda that was started pre-2015 and the same pattern, the same root is being followed.


The issue of defecting to another party should be discarded. The idea of going to All Progressive Congress should also be discarded, as the Governor is going nowhere near APC or Labour. Under no circumstances! We are the umbrella party and we will continue to be so.



Social media reporters and our disgruntled opposition politicians in the state are on to same agenda to destabilise PDP by words and actions. But we refuse to be defeated.

PROF BENARD ODO: THE PRODIGAL SON THAT NEVER RETURNED

By Philip Nweze
At last, the mighty wind has blown and exposed the anus of the fowl! It is now official! Former Secretary to Ebonyi state government, Prof Benard Odo has finally blundered his way into the sinking ship of the All Progressive Congress, few months after he quit his plum job and all the perks of office. Just yesterday, he was spotted at the APC convention, at the Eagle Square Abuja, fully kitted in APC colours. The whispers and the sniping have been around for months, but yesterday came the full blown manifestation. Looking at the picture, I saw a man without a clear image of where he is coming from or going to over the next four years.
Without mincing words, the former SSG has made a monumentally bad judgement that is quite epic in nature by not checkmating the demons he permitted to corner him into this huge political mess. Politically, Odo is naive. He has been conned. For once, he failed to use the levers of common sense. Prof Odo will surely be facing the real possibility of political oblivion following his party's predictable crushing defeat in Ebonyi state come 2019. Obviously, his early years as a university teacher did not prepare him well for the rigours of political life.
This sets the stage for what is most likely going to be a dull and uneventful political career for the embryo politician.

Before he was snapped up by Governor David Umahi, Odo has perennially and precariously meandered in the corridors of failure. Now again, he is stuck in a political rut with some braindead politicians. What this means is that the inexperienced politician has singlehandedly banished himself into political wilderness. I will always remember 2018 as one of the rare moments that saw him make the greatest political miscalculation which makes it almost impossible for anyone to imagine an extension of his political career beyond the 2015 election.
Right now, Ebonyi APC is in shreds, divided irreconcilably between loyalists of party chairman, Ben Nwobashi and the other faction unofficially led by Ogbonnaya Onu. And the split is getting uglier by the day. presently, Ebonyi APC is full of backstabbing, and scheming and ass licking. And I wonder where Odo will stand in the unfolding political chess. Even if the academic had the most sophisticated political skills and all the resources in the world, it would be impossible to make any political impact in 2019. Moreover, 2019 is simply not for career politicians who move in and out of alliances.

Despite being one of the opposition arrowheads in 2015, Prof Odo was never assaulted, locked up, threatened or vilified by his former boss, the governor. Instead he enjoyed an elevation above other loyal PDP party men, but he repaid with ingratitude, spurious and unsubstantiated claims against his principal. In the eyes of many, the former scribe has torn his personal credibility to shreds by biting the hands that fed him.

Prof Odo is a man of many qualities, but he has failed as a politician. He should have the wisdom to admit as much – and to leave the scene with honour.

GOVERNOR UMAHI'S PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS

Philip Nweze


In the area of peace and conflict management the administration of Engr David Umahi, from inception has demonstrated great sagacity and dexterity

Ascending office, he was troubled by crisis of all dimensions which had raged even decades before he assumed power. There was the Izzi intra-communal dispute between Onwonweya and Mkpumaekwoku. Fresh hostilities between Ekpomaka and their Inyimagu brothers. There was also the lingering crisis between the people of Enyigba in Abakaliki Local Government and Ndiegu Enyibichiri in Ikwo LGA of the state. Each bothered on land dispute which later degenerated into communal clashes. At the borderline of these challenges were the dangerous persistent bloody clashes.

We all lamented and wailed at the destruction and social dislocation it caused us. We knew no peace, as violence and killings irreverently replaced the sacredness of peace.

Our leaders knew the path to peace, but ignored it's enforcement for whatever reason known to them. But Governor Umahi elected upon himself to end the menace. He wholeheartedly attuned his administration to full restoration of peace in these hot spots.

His no nonsense and uncompromising posture on security of lives and property has changed the horrible narrative of endless violence across the state. The famed and accustomed peace in the state has regained its soul.

The most worrisome Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo internal squabbles that lasted for over six years has finally been brought to an end. Umahi's experience and ingenuity and record of ensuring peace in troubled communities did the magic.

In Ezillo, his hands of friendship was extended to those who were aggrieved. And for the first time, the two warring sides drew up a collective agreement to pursue peace and abide by a fresh code of conduct. The governor's ingenuity in human diplomacy and conflict management has enabled this hitherto impossible reality.

The media circus about the Governor's suspension of his Deputy Chief of staff and other prominent appointees of government from crisis ridden communities shows that there're no sacred cows in ensuring the safety of people of the state. Also, the government is sparing nothing in waging war against insecurity. The state government has spent millions of naira to restore peace and security in crisis prone areas of Ikwo, Abakaliki and Izzi. One slot takes N10 million to the soldiers and another N10 million to the police.

The Governor is known to be very decisive in handling cases of communal disturbances. In the Alike crisis, he stripped all government appointees in the area of their privileges, political and financial pending the completion of a school block burnt in the heat of the violence and cessation of hostilities. In another instance, he announced the immediate takeover of the disputed land between the people of Enyigba and their neighbouring Enyibichiri in Abakaliki and Ikwo LGAs respectively.

The Governor has been known to shelve his busy schedules on a number of occasions to undertake an on the spot assessment together with stakeholders and security agents in the state to ascertain the level of destruction as a result of the crises.

Governor Umahi is also good with proactive remedies too. The Governor has deployed a simple strategy of according every section in the state a sense of belonging. He halted discrimination by past administrations and extended equal and fair treatment to all and sundry. His conviction is that every Ebonyian deserves a good life and to live in peace and there are no rhetorics as the people bear loud testimonies. He has helped Ebonyians develop awareness of unity in diversity.

The Governor also understands that incessant killings by herdsmen in the country needs to be properly handled and addressed so as not to spark off war. He has repeatedly convened enlarged security council meeting with security chiefs, National leadership of Miyetti Allah, led by Alhaji Bello Bodejo and stakeholders of all affected communities to address unprovoked killings in some parts of the state, including the death of three people in Enyanwuigwe community of Igbeagu in Izzi local government area of the state. Constant engagement of herders and farmers in dialogue to agree on certain policies before implementation, is also a big plus for the administration.

All these have given Ebonyi the insignia of the most peaceful state in the federation.

UMAHI: THE MAN EBONYI NEEDS


By Philip Nweze

Who shall we send and who will go for us in the 2019 governorship race?

Before I answer this pertinent question, it is imperative to point out an obvious fact. Ebonyi state is seeking for a man with vision. A leader who is in possession of some viable, perhaps even tested ideas in matters of statecraft, not one who would start groping after being entrusted with power. A politician with wide network of connections, not baby politicians in diapers and starters with no resume of political activism ever. This is a time that demands that only men and women of mettle should stand up to be counted. The times we found ourselves is not meant for the faint hearted.

The situation we find ourselves require grit, guts and wisdom. This explains why analysts spot the incumbent Governor, Engr David Umahi tall among his fellow contenders in next year's race for the number one Juicy executive seat.

Governor Umahi has been in the saddle for three years and this is what we know about him. He has a large heart and that heart is dedicated to the good of our beloved land, Ebonyi. Engr Umahi is one of the few persons who believe that meagre resources could be used to achieve much if we remove greed and corruption.

In matters of governance, he plays no favourites and is not one to operate under the veil of bias or discrimination. This is not a common thing in the arena of politics and government in Nigeria. If you are looking for a man who is diligent in his work with a keen eye for details and due process, there is none better than Governor David Nweze Umahi. Umahi's eyes for excellence and due process makes him the best man for the job. His administration has set new rules of engagement and hard-line approach, the kind that produce results. The focus of his administration is hinged on populist projects. He is a man well tailored to fit into today's political climate.

Nigeria is at the cusp of stupendous change. Umahi has been tapped as one of the Chief Engineers that must make that change by destiny. It seems he has been born for this moment and this moment born for him.

Ironically, a lot of people never gave him a chance in 2015. Conspiracy theories were woven by detractors. He faced a Titanic political battle but he soared above them all. The good news for us and bad news for them is that he did in three years what they could not do in eight years. Seeing his achievements today, the opposition is still trapped in utter shock. And they are trashing about in wild uncoordinated confusion.

Umahi's sojourn through life appears to have been pre-ordained and conditioned for leadership and impact. His life is an emerging radiance and we have only caught a glimpse of his potential. With him there are no rhetoric as the people themselves bear loud testimonies of vision.

Even in the rural areas, his mark is there. Our local government areas have become a maze of urbanizing communities with the familiar feel of a city. The impressive network of good roads that link up villages and communities is a new invention in Ebonyi state. Dave is a grassroots operator. He knows everybody by their names.

Ebonyians, vote someone with skills, experience and track records of creating progress, not political neophytes and green horns who are still learning the ropes of politics.

Let me close this piece with the anthem of Divine Mandate campaign in Ebonyi state, a popular Christian song composed by James McGranhan who lived from 1840 to 1907. The song says:

There shall be showers of blessings
This is the promise of God
There shall be seasons refreshing
Sent from the saviour above

REFRAIN:
Showers of blessings
Showers of blessings we need
Mercy-drops round us are falling
But for the showers we plead

OfficialAwol:
Great job by my digital Governor.

I related something to you the last time but yet to get your response.

Need I add that I'm the Secretary of Ebonyi youths resident in Enugu.

The project I talked about, is a song, with video already shot. Already playing in Salt Fm and Unity Fm.

The song tried to capture the new face of ebonyi to a great extent.

I am trying to get this to you because in my thinking, if your ministry can adopt the song and give a push, it will create a great digital awareness of the laudable achievements of Gov David Umahi.

What do you think Philip?

Contact me.

Other pictures.

EXAMINING THE CONCEPT OF CONCRETE ROAD TECHNOLOGY IN EBONYI STATE

By Philip Nweze

It appears the Ebonyi State government may have taken the lead in making the required switch from asphalt to cement technology which is also known as rigid pavement technology in road construction. 

The state, which is experimenting with this technology in road construction on over 10 major roads,  has successfully completed the 23.7km Hilltop-Agbaja-Nwofe state road in Ebonyi North senatorial zone, 15.5km Ehamufu-Umuhali federal road and a section of the 23.5km Okposi Amasiri-Uburu federal road. Undoubtedly, the technology is more durable and more sustainable and will be extended to other roads in Ebonyi.

Other ongoing and completed road projects on rigid pavement include Ezzama-Oshiri-Onicha-Isu-Uburu road, Amasiri-Nguzu-Owutu Edda road, Ntezi-Agba-Isu road, Ndufu-Alike AE-FUNAI, massive internal road networks in Abakaliki city, Onueke and Uburu, and a host of others.

The construction engineers are currently using a mixture of crush rock-based materials and other items to achieve a thickness fill and compaction to the level of 300mm and then cast with concrete reinforcement with 8mm to 10mm high tensil (mash of wires) reinforcement bars over the stabilised base course before treatment with prime coat and asphaltic concrete.

Although the cost of this technology is higher than the conventional construction methods, the state government chose to experiment with it as a way of strengthening the load bearing capacity of some roads in the state and boost the strength and quality of the finished work. Experts say while concrete roads have a sustainable guarantee of minimum of 40 years, asphalt roads last for 10 years. Aside their durability, concrete roads are more environmentally friendly compared to asphalt roads.

Cement technology is used in the construction of airport run-ways, tarmac and places that carry high load bearing capacity, machines and equipment. It is a good solution for achieving sustainable roads in the country. It is better and of a higher value than the conventional method of using only asphalt. 

That is not all. Concrete roads do not require frequent repairs or patch works like asphalt roads. Besides, advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving while improving performance greatly. For instance, the average life span of concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair, while asphalt pavements have an average life span of only 15.5 years before repair. 

 Furthermore, researches have confirmed that vehicles consume less fuel on concrete roads. Specifically, a vehicle, when run over a concrete road, consumes 15-20 per cent less fuel than that on asphalt road. This, according to experts, is because a concrete road does not get deflected under the wheels of loaded trucks. Unlike asphalt roads, concrete roads do not get damaged by the leaking oils from the vehicles or by the extreme weather conditions like excess rain or extreme heat.

Today, Ebonyi has placed heavy emphasis on this technology and has copied this model to neighbouring states like Abia. Let me place on notice that this invention is Governor Umahi's greatest gift to Ebonyi people.

CptBule:
Oga, connect me to your ministry let me propagate the Dave campaign on various social media, for a monthly salary even if na #10,000.

I'm Ebonyian, residing at Mile 50.

Send your facebook username ASAP

CptBule:
Oga, connect me to your ministry let me propagate the Dave campaign on various social media, for a monthly salary even if na #10,000.

I'm Ebonyian, residing at Mile 50.

Contact me ASAP

Wisdomkosi:
Umahi is fake, stealing from Ebonyians . Come 2019, Ebonyians will send him back to where he belongs. Nonsense

How many votes do you have? no vacancy in Ebonyi Govt house.

Gov. Umahi remains Ebonyi pathfinder and he is on top on infrastructural development. Ebonyians are much ready to promote him to another level come 2019.

CHIEF MARTIN ELECHI THE ELDER WITH REPROACH

By Philip Nweze

Granted that there is wisdom in the saying that silence is golden, in most cases it is noble to speak out lest fools take their foolery as wisdom.

I was brought up to extend respect and courtesy to elders but an elder must endeavour to conduct himself like one, otherwise the people will equate him with children and treat him as such, no matter how highly placed.

The question, which most people kept asking is what the former governor, Chief Martin Elechi will gain to see his protege and successor fumble and disgraced out of office. All comments emanating from Elder Elechi in recent times are always targeted at his successor.

Chief Martin Elechi, former governor of Ebonyi state ought to be a father figure in Ebonyi politics, but no. Within the past three years, his stock in trade has remained creating serial infractions. His ambivalent position in matters relating to the health and harmony of Ebonyi state is simply unfortunate.

His preference for a rival governorship candidate in the 2015 governorship polls in Ebonyi state and his subsequent failure to achieve this distorted ambition has set him on a war path. Ever since, he has never hidden his disdain for his predecessor, David Umahi. His obvious romance between Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and his motley crowd of failed politicians is borne out of a very patriotic determination to sabotage the present government.

Every public statement he makes these days is calculated to hurt his former Deputy, now Governor. It seems he wakes up everyday plotting his political downfall. He has faulted every procedure adopted and every developmental initiative conceived by the present government. Name them. The Ring Road project which would further enhance connectivity and economic activities in the state, triplet flyover construction, cement pavement technology concrete roads and so on. He has never believed that the Governor has done anything right since he held sway as leader of the state.

Chief Elechi has engaged the Governor in gladiatorial combat from every front. He has unleashed the combined prosecutorial might of EFCC and ICPC on Umahi's government and its organs, all to no avail. He has equally displayed a disturbing appetite for malice, never before seen. Every good thing Umahi does flies in his face with nauseous odour. Even when the governor has been recognised globally for his record of excellence in various pursuits, Chief Elechi strictly categorizes him as an underperformer, even when the feats are there for all to see.

Can Chief Elechi rewrite history? NO! Can he reverse the will of God? NO. What did Elechi himself do for the masses during his eight years walk along the paved political walkways of Ebonyi state. The civil servants got their salaries at his mercy. He fired but never hired. He witch hunted and dismissed many according to which ever side the pendulum of his mood swings.

The truth is that Governor Umahi has tried to effectively cope with the quantum of responsibilities required from him even as a young administrator.

Chief Martin Elechi has positioned himself as one of the viruses eating deep at the peace and progress of Ebonyi state which leaves much to be desired from an elder.

AS GOVERNOR UMAHI BAGS ANOTHER AWARD

By Philip Nweze

On Thursday June 21st 2018, Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi state would be honoured with the "Governor of the year Award on Infrastructure" by the Authority Newspaper, an Abuja based media group.

The governor would be presented with the special award at an elaborate event which will take place at Sheraton Hotels and Towers in Abuja and would be witnessed by top government officials, captains of industries, members of the diplomatic corps and celebrities from all walks of life.

Authority Newspaper is one of the daily Nigerian newspaper with the mission to serve God and humanity.

The Authority Newspaper award is an annual event commemorated in line with its tradition of celebrating individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour and made outstanding contributions to Nigeria and the world in the course of the year. The awards are some of the most prestigious honours to be bestowed in this country. One just needs to look back at the caliber and pedigree of previous awardees to realise that this is not just another award ceremony but a celebration of the best and the brightest that our country has got to offer.

The Authority group has its eagle-eye focus on the performance of political office holders in the desire to defend Nigerian people even n from its leaders.

The media outfit in its efforts aimed at highlighting what forms a people-focused leadership, found the performance of Governor David Umahi as worthy of recognition. It has come to the knowledge of the newspaper, that Governor Umahi is busy uplifting Ebonyi state and its people from the decimate status that hitherto characterised it. The special recognition annual award ceremony is an expression of gratitude and encouragement for trademark of excellence. To the group, the governor's approach to governance is a model that should be emulated. His courage in tackling the infrastructural deficiencies in the state and unparallel efforts to reposition the development index of Ebonyi state is making waves across the country.

Since destiny beckoned on him to shoulder the heavy responsibility of leadership in Ebonyi state, the area has witnessed a fresh breath.

The award attests to the kind of leadership the governor has provided. Governor Umahi is a golden fish that has no hiding place. As he is busy trying to achieve posterity records and successes, individuals and organisations like Authority Newspapers have seen great virtues in him. This award would among other things serve as a tonic that will boost governance in Ebonyi state.

Congratulations in advance Your Excellency.

*2019: IGBOS MAY NOT VOTE PDP UNLESS SOLID ARRANGEMENT FOR 2023 IGBO PRESIDENCY IS GUARANTEED.*

BY Nnaemeka U Trump

Ndigbo have this saying that one whose kin is not adept in the steps of the dance beat soon develops an itch of the eyelids (Onye onye ya n'amaghi nkwa agba, oko iku n'ako ya). And so, like many concerned and true Igbo sons and daughters, I have been disappointed, indeed severely burdened personally, at the trivia pursuit that have characterized much of our public discuss as we ride towards 2019 general election. So unfortunate that serious thinking on important matters like the question of Igbo presidency come 2023 has become rare.

I must as a matter of respect and recognition, acknowledge and give accolades most respectfully to the *National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency Chief Austin Umahi* for not only being alive to his duties as the party leader in South East, but for being so conscious of the need for Igbo president come 2023. Thanks most immensely for rationalizing on this crucial matter sir; you are a true son of Igbo nation and one of the few Igbo leaders whose powerful and inspiring voice and disposition has triggered, rekindled and inspired me to keep writing and advocating for the need to strike a balance in the unfavorable sociopolitical and economic place of Igbos in the Nigeria project. Truly, you are indeed Ochiagha Ndigbo; no doubt.

Nevertheless, to find our way back into the mainstream of Nigerian politics, it is essential that we recognize the reasons for the hiccups and bumps that has characterized the place of Igbos in the political space of Nigeria as a nation. I simply do not want to believe that we are a people easily taken away by the mundane. Though all too often, a characteristic veil of emotions and sentiments beclouds our view and the capacity to be objective over what we stand to achieve collectively as a people when we come together in united front as a force, even when we acknowledge that our greatest strength is linked to our unity, which is however the greatest threat to our adversaries as a people. We have unfortunately become too preoccupied with individuality rather than issues central to our collective interest as a people, and in the process we loose the capacity to appreciate the crux and substance.

I strongly advocate for a conscious resolve by prominent Igbo leaders to strike both gentlemen and ungentlemanly agreements with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and whoever becomes her presidential flag bearer for 2019 general election, to do only one term (that is, 4years only) in office that will end by 2023, then pave the way for the long overdue Igbo presidency. It is no doubt that Igbos has shown more commitment and loyalty to PDP since 1999 till date more than any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria. The Igbo political predicament since 1999, and particularly since 2015 that dictator Buhari came to power can rightly be adjudged to a reasonable percentage to be coming from the diehard nature and loyalty of the Igbo people to PDP. Ndigbo have literally served as the sacrificial lamb for the PDP and have been relegated for so long politically for sticking with, and pitching tent with PDP. So it is only natural for PDP to do whatever it can to ensure that the dream and vision of an Igbo president in 2023 remains sacrosanct and realizable under PDP. If by any means PDP refuses to sincere show commitment towards producing an Igbo president in 2023; I urge Ndigbo, particularly the youths to totally withdraw their vote, solidarity or support for PDP and explore other political options of realizing our dream and vision of Igbo presidency in 2023.

We should not allow narrow personal ambition, instigated serial packs of incorrigible, unrepentant opportunists and political jobbers to freely trivialize, distort, and hijack the ambition of Igbo presidency come 2023. Over the years, we have seen selfish politicians of Igbo extraction capitalized on the folly and deception of the people and took their ugly power game to the next level of working with other mischievous elements to kill the dream and vision of an Igbo presidency. In so doing, they place their personal interests ahead of the common good. They broke all rules and agreements entered, crossed every line of fairness, decency or proportionality and stopped at nothing to realize their egocentric political and economic objectives. Even those who by training and profession are expected to uphold moral and ethical standards of behavior, wantonly compromised everything honourable or decent in their consuming pursuit of political advantage and patronage.

Ndigbo have fully paid the price both as a component unit in the Nigerian project, and as the strongest political base and loyalists to PDP, and it will be puzzling and astonishing to us as a people to believe or wake up to the realization that Nigerians, and particularly PDP does not appreciate the pivotal roles Ndigbo have so far played in building Nigeria and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Playing politics with Igbo presidency in 2023 is tantamount to acting brazenly as to suggest that Nigerians and PDP were oblivious to the input and sacrifices the Igbo nation has so far made, and the challenges that undermines the Igbo cause. This scenario is however a history that must be avoided and must not be repeated come 2023.

Nigerians must be politically realistic and smart, because the continued existence of Nigeria requires the sincere incorporation of Ndigbo as the most vigorous element as far as Nigeria is concern. Igbos spare headed the struggle for Nigeria's independence and now others are enjoying the fruits of their labor. Anyone in his or her right senses should not expect Igbos to be happy with the unnatural state of affairs in Nigeria today. Ndigbo have been humiliated, ridiculed and insulted for so long by other Nigerians. You do not humiliate a people and expect them to corporate in their own humiliation, do you? If you do, you are a child and know nothing about human nature. Those you humiliate with impunity will naturally work to tear you down.

Igbos and her political leaders must be very conscious of the fact that 2019 offers us a new opportunity to retrace our steps and restore Igbo presidential interest in 2023 on its proper tracks by our decision and our political calculus in 2019. I am very confident with the current National vice chairman of PDP South East *His Excellency Chief Austin Umahi* that Igbo leaders will push for the right agreement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before 2019, we will certainly realize our mission by 2023. Ndigbo have for too long served as a conduit for pursuing other peoples political and economic interest in Nigeria, it is high time we put our massive ingenuity to bare and lobby for other region and ethnic nationalities to serve our own sociopolitical and economic interest and objectives.

Ironically, Nigeria has continued to rely on Igbo intellect and skills to pursue policies and programs that benefit Ndigbo the least. Enamored by the realization that Igbo cohesion was once not that strong, they convinced themselves that buying off a token of few among Ndigbo is all that is needed to keep Ndigbo in check. They sponsored confusion among us, and like the uninitiated, we willfully propagate their designs to our own detriment. It is time to put our house in order if we must realize our presidential dream.

Part of the reason the rest of Nigeria gangs up against Ndigbo (even when they disagree amongst themselves on virtually everything else) is out of fear that reservoir of potent Igbo capability could be unstoppable if properly mobilized. Igbo detractors get worried whenever we come together. Igbo resilience have been exemplified on several occasions. One of such was clearly manifested at the end of the a brutal 30-month war of genocide that decimated the Igbo economy and political life. The rest of Nigeria was awed at how we survived 3 bleak years of total blockade and military vandalization. In few short month following, Ndigbo reemerged to competitive stature in national commerce life. Towns that were recently desolate after their occupants evacuated and became refugees soon resurged. Villages where the saturated stench of hunger, starvation, disease and death had barely cleared quickly become lively and buoyant again. Therein, my people lies the puzzle about Ndigbo. Ours is a rare phenomenon and the unspoken source of the attitudes and policies towards Ndigbo.

Conclusively, what Ndigbo need to regain our sociopolitical and economic balance, essence, and relevance is to be seen as cohering and coming together in unity of purpose. We are at our best when we work together, more so when our very existence is challenged. Our detractors recognize this fact very well. Today, Igbo political standing in Nigeria remains at stake. To this end I suggest that we use the 2019 general election as a mock test and a political wild card towards striking a political balance that will see Ndigbo bounce back through Igbo presidency in 2023. I contend that we must use our known strength to reassert our place in the Nigerian arrangement. Igwe bu Ike is not just a slogan, but also a time-tested fact of Igbo history. Our collective resolve and capacity is emboldened when we rally together in one united force.

Our political prospects will stay diminished as long as we are still living in our yesterdays. It is a known fact that politics is a zero-sum game, and every opportunity we lose is someone's gain. It is naive to expect that other groups will, out of the goodness of their hearts, accord us our due in the national dispensation. We must buckle up to protect our valued interests. There is every need to strategically position ourselves in other to get our fair share of the Nigerian cake. We have to take a cue from the lessons we learnt from our past mistakes to effectively get it right this time around. By our very nature we naturally have the blocks upon which to build this foundation. Only Ndigbo can salvage the Igbo interest in Nigeria. I believe it can be done, and the time is now.

*2019: A CALL FOR A WATER TIGHT YOUTH COALITION TO DEFEND YOUTH INTEREST AND DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES*

*By Nnaemeka U Trump*
*Media Freelancer*
*Strategic And Critical Thinker*


The establishment of systems where democratic principles abound and are upheld requires a civil society where the youths are predominantly the catalyst of a sociopolitical and economic culture attuned to democracy, liberty and freedom. Those who can bring freedom where it is absent and justice where it is denied are chiefly young people. Freedom and justice is a patient and often difficult struggle that requires the strength, sacrifice, rigor and fortitude of youths to be attained. Often time the youth force retreat to democracy and apathy for lack of perspective and coordination. In this frustration, the youth force is hijacked and brought into conflict by belligerent, anti sociopolitical cabals and opportunists either to resist possible youth participation in competitive democracy or to meet their deadly goals of caging the youth force in their egocentrism, vicious mechanization, corrupt practices among other anti democratic principles/practices.

Democracy often mean different things to many people but the central concern of democracy since 1945 after the ruins occasioned by the second world war, has been the peoples right to freely determine their own destiny. The extent to which youths are involved in deciding on the future of their society either directly or indirectly has a tremendous impact on the level of cooperation, development and leadership they will provide in building Nigeria's democracy on principles such as; freedom of expression, belief and association, free fair and competitive elections, political participation, good governance, gender equality, due process of law, respect for the inalienable rights of individuals, free communications media and equitable distribution of state resources and opportunities.

In Nigeria, there have been clamor for youths participation or the lack thereof in politics. The "not too young to run" is perhaps the most fruitful one yet. However, hasty look at Africa's leaders may give credence to the claim that an aging political class is the reason for its seemingly slow development. A large number of its presidents are septuagenarians. It is right, therefore, with proper investigation, to conclude that old politicians equates bad leadership and are responsible for Nigeria's woes. However, the correlation between old age and incompetent leadership does necessarily indicate causation. Yes, correlation perhaps is causation logically.

Nigeria suffers from lack of youth representation, which account largely for her sociopolitical and economic tribulations. The Nigerian story is that of historically incompetent old leaders.

Nigerian youths are brilliant in all aspect of life, they are resourceful, genuinely skillful and can handle any task given to them, but here, the political dealers are thinking otherwise, they see youths as mere object of voting. It is only in Nigeria that you are eligible to vote when you are 18years but cannot aspire to contest for
leadership unless you are 30 or 35 years old, even at 30 or 35 there are offices you cannot aspire for, is this not ridiculous?

However, to protect and correct the fragility and epileptic nature of youths participation in politics in Nigeria, it is paramount for youths to play two key roles;

(1) Setting up and fortifying youth structures, that will be able to provide democratic and leadership Perspectives, foresight, education and employment to the youth population. So as to correct the past anomaly, and protect it from sheepishly sliding into the dead trap of old cabals who may want to frustrate the political evolution and renaissance about to be unleashed.
(2) mounting a coordinated youth front or coalition across Nigeria by youth to provide a viable and coordinated youth action for organized and more prominent youth participation in politics.

If the youth energy, dynamism and vigor is not harnessed and brought into perspective on or before 2019, we may risk our youth force being taken over by the same cabals to keep Nigeria perpetually in the hands of analogous and anarchist leaders.

Nevertheless, it is however in the interest of the youths, to be active in national and international politics and also in protecting democracy and civilization. It is insufficient that the state controls it citizens; the citizens must control both the state, and themselves. Youths are valuable tools to safeguard against violation of basic human rights and govt excesses if youths could take up their responsibilities and play their roles as political actors for them to wrestle power from vitriolic, analogous, retrogressive and repressive regime. Too long we've allowed these old cabals to maltreat, sabotage and demean us, and judge us as not being fit for democracy and political apathy. Yet it is understood that youths become fit for leadership and democracy through democracy.

The current redundancy and passivity of Nigerian youths has to be urgently addressed. Nigerian youths must become vibrantly focused and act as the best custodian of democracy. Partnership between the Youths and the State must be renegotiated and thus impartially established to create a sustainable and forward moving society. In a youth politicized society the idiosyncrasy is that it produces a civil society with a much stronger sense of political efficacy. Even in systems where the decision making power of the legislative is weak or nonexistence, an organized youth structure and a coordinated youth front can mount sufficient pressure on the govt to democratize and serve the interest of the people.

*Providing Intermediary Political Link.*

To push through the vision of the youths taking over leadership rein in Nigeria and Africa, youths must take the challenge of coming together in unity of purpose irrespective of their ethno-religious, sociopolitical, economic and cultural background or orientation to form a strong youth coalition or front, that will among other very crucial things focus on the reorientation of our youths on their erroneous perspectives on the what their stake or place is when it comes to politics and leadership. And this coalition will also act as channel of establishing a political link or cord, linking the local population with other youth-centric stakeholders. To safeguard against blind political participation and manipulation by incumbent govt. This link must be put in place to correctly educate youths and the people on what democracy is and what democracy intrinsically guarantees. To undermine such instances of political monopoly by the old cabals, youths must be empowered to preach the gospel of democracy and to further take it inland to the grassroots.

The participation and leadership of youths is required in infant democracies such as Nigeria's and most African nations if we hope to push back totalitarianism, anarchy, tyranny, under development, unemployment, corruption and jingoism and tribalist govt as being practised by Buhari/APC led govt. The passivity of youths in sub Sahara Africa mostly in Nigeria, with regards to their political participation, and their submissive involvement in repressive regime is not a healthy sign to the future and certainly not in the political interest of both the youths and society at large.

The challenges today are enormous. Youths have to stand up against usurpation, constitutional violation, political persecution, clueless/incompetent leadership, corruption, human rights abuse, electoral fraud and the violation of our freedom of expression, association, and belief by the repressive regime of Buhari/APC. We have to put up a coalition and a coordinated front that will declare our stand on these issues to the world. We most importantly have to provide the leadership and involvement required to tactically engage and subdue the evil and undemocratic govt that called us *lazy and uneducated*.

Conclusively, our duty now is to the future. We have to appreciate what advantages democracy has offered us now and in the future to a point where the we would be able to defend it with our lives. We must remain loyal and committed to the principles of democracy, overcome contradictions and firmly defend the rights of youths. We should however be conscious of the salient fact that the responsibility of constructing, defending and upholding true democracy in Nigeria rests on the shoulders of youths. The duty is onerous, but will be lighter if we come together to exchange ideas and information, share resources and take advantage of modern telecommunications.


*By Nnaemeka U Trump*
*Media Freelancer*
*Strategic And Critical Thinker*

A Philosophical Outlook And Analysis On The Leadership Prowess Of His Excellency Engr_Dr_David_Umahi.

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer and
A Strategic and Critical Thinker

Many experts across countless leadership books and articles agree on certain principles required for leading a team to greatness, but when it comes down to it, the most important factor is whether or not the leader is getting the job done.

My philosophies on leadership have evolved over time through research, experiences in some of the leadership positions I have held, and from my successes and failures running my own little enterprise. Personally, I believe that the best leaders are passionate about developing the emerging leaders around them just like DNU has exemplified in the appointments of majorly youths into different strategic leadership positions; His Excellency has constantly work to improve his emotional intelligence because he know that a strong team culture is the foundation for accomplishing the mission. He is in a perpetual state of preparedness ready to embrace the inevitable dynamism that comes with leadership.

For the purpose of this article however, below are the core leadership values and principles of DNU that I have personally observed and scrutinized over the years:

(1.) He Believes in Articulating a Clear Vision Through Strategic Planning

His Excellency Engr Dr Dave Umahi right from time, prior before he ventured into politics has been a meticulous and a well articulated leader who possess a Clear vision in every stage of his life. As a great leader, he is very courageous, has intergrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. He is a strategic planner who also believes in team work. As a great leader, he helps people reach their goals, he is not afraid to hire people who might be better than him being conscious of the salient fact that he takes pride and credit as the leader in the achievements of those he helps along the way.

His Excellency Engr Dr Dave Umahi is outstanding at strategic planning. Its another one of the more leadership strength of our dear governor. He is gifted with the ability to look ahead, to anticipate with some accuracy what the future holds. He has the technical knowhow to anticipate trends, well in advance of his contemporaries; he does this through thoughtful strategic planning.

(2.) His Excellency Engr Dr Dave Umahi Believes That The People Are The Key To Succeed As A Leader.

A great leader understands that it is the people that they lead that ultimately determines the success or failure of any venture or govt hence his people-centric policies and programmes. Being conscious of this fact, His Excellency surrounded himself with great people with the required mental and physical attributes that he has successfully cultivated into a formidable team of competent, confident individuals who depicts what a great team looks like. His Excellency over the last 3years have been able to tactically communicate and guide towards a well-defined vision of transforming Ebonyi state on different fronts by clearly communicating short and long term goals, inspiring confidence and trust amongst his cabinet members and other political and non-political appointees, and influencing common efforts through character rather than by a position of authority; thereby creating and nurturing other leaders.

(3.) He Makes The Hard Choices Which Serves The Greater Cause.

His Excellency's leadership virtues is predetermined and premised on his periodical blend of personal humility and unparalleled will to lead others in service of a cause higher than his personal cause. Great leaders are incredibly ambitious, but never for themselves as exemplified by DNU over the years. Rather, they are ambitious for the wellbeing of the people and possess the will and moral rectitude to do whatever is necessary in service of the greater cause which basically serves the people. DNU has made the right choices both in his policies and in who makes his team, and has proved himself overtime a worthy and trusted leader by refusing to conform or yield to the pressure of sharing the peoples common wealth among the privileged few, cabinet members, friends and family in other to enhance the lives of the common people and for the good of the society at large, knowing fully well that in essence, he is potentially responsible for the well being of the people.

(4.) He Focuses On Helping His Team Give Their Very Best.

DNU is someone who leads by positive direction and builds agreement among his team towards the accomplishment of a coordinated goal. Ultimately, he understands that leadership is not about who is in charge. He believes that leadership is about making sure that ones team stays focused on the goals, keeping them motivated and helping them be the very best they can be to achieve those goals. Dave is a great leader who has clarity of purpose and he is masterful at articulating his beliefs. He is a kind of a leader that pushes people to be the very best they can be but still make people feel safe because it starts with the heart.

(5.) Humility.

Great leaders are those who are strong and decisive but also humble. His humility doesn't mean he is weak or unsure of himself. It means that he has the self confidence and self awareness to recognize the value of others without feeling threatened. This is one of the rarer attribute - or - trait of our dear governor because he has shown containment of his ego. His Excellency is ready to admit he could be wrong, and he recognises he may not have all the answers. And most importantly, he gives credit where credit is due....... which many leaders struggle to allude to.

(6). Courage

Of all the leadership qualities of His Excellency Engr Dr Dave Umahi, his courageousness is the most identifiable outward trait I have observed.

According to Winston Churchill, courage is considered as the most foremost of the virtues, for upon it, all others depend on. Having the quality of courage means that he is willing to take risks in the achievement of his goals even with no assurance of success. Because there is no certainty in life or business, every commitment you make and every action you take entails a risk of some sort.

If Ebonyians are not appreciative of the fact that God has blessed us with a great leader as our governor, then that will definitely take us 30 years backward and the resurgence of the very deplorable views outsiders once held about the so called Abakaliki man. Though as a media man and a grassroot person who feels and knows the impulse of the people. I can authoritatively tell you that majority of the people are with him, and they trust him based on the basis of performance, capacity and service delivery. Conclusively, I urge every Enonyian both home and abroad to get his or her PVCs, and encourage family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to obtain a voter card. We should however know this two thing; reelection of our dear governor come 2019 and ousting the clueless.

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer
A strategic and Critical Thinker

COUNTDOWN TO 2019: EBONYIANS SEND GOV. UMAHI

By Philip Nweze

This man represents the very best Ebonyi South can offer. He is a rare being, sound to the teeth and generously gifted with Solomonic wisdom. He is all about energy, brains, vision and determination. And is certainly, a man not worth deleting in the affairs of Ebonyi state. Under him the state is transforming herself daily, like a worn engine sputtering back to life from years of extinction. Under his watch, Ebonyi has become an infrastructure powerhouse of the South East.

The man whose picture is displayed above is a force to reckon with, and like fine wine, he gets better with age. Storms don't scare him. They teach him how to sail his ship.

Those recycled failed political "products" contesting against him in 2019 will only maximize their misery, frustration, and bitterness because he is a man on a date with destiny. Anyone with a fair knowledge of his election story knows he is a man destined for divine uplift. Therefore fighting this man is a mission impossible. History has shown that he is a force committed to conquering all studs and challenges to his divine assignment.

When it comes to politics, his political motivation is second to none. To him, everyday is a new opportunity to do something new for his people. He has the requisite link and connection to make things happen. It beats many that even as a PDP governor, he appears to be enjoying a special relationship with the APC led government at the centre. That is a mark of genius.

Returning Governor Umahi in 2019 is one of the smartest ways to use your voter's card. It is one of the ways to unlock more developments for this generation and generations unborn. This man stands for inclusivity and has never left any section behind in his developmental blueprint. Discernible Ebonyians know better than to buy into the senseless propaganda sown by enemies of state, against a man who has been showered with accolades regionally and nationally for making significant difference in the life of his people.

This man has shattered precedence. Under his reign, underdevelopment has been terribly diminished. Empowerment has gotten a positive face. Leaking purses have been sealed. And inferiority complex hovering around Ebonyi people have been crushed to dust.

Let's carry Ebonyi to a greater level by returning this man come 2019. Let nobody distort this divine trajectory of progress for our dear state. We have a common duty to build a stable and prosperous Ebonyi state.

A failed product cannot become best seller overnight. This is my message for some dettoheads and neophytes in diapers, eyeing the number one executive seat in 2019. Kachukwu mezieokwu!

COUNTDOWN TO 2019: EBONYIANS SEND GOV. UMAHI

By Philip Nweze

This man represents the very best Ebonyi South can offer. He is a rare being, sound to the teeth and generously gifted with Solomonic wisdom. He is all about energy, brains, vision and determination. And is certainly, a man not worth deleting in the affairs of Ebonyi state. Under him the state is transforming herself daily, like a worn engine sputtering back to life from years of extinction. Under his watch, Ebonyi has become an infrastructure powerhouse of the South East.

The man whose picture is displayed above is a force to reckon with, and like fine wine, he gets better with age. Storms don't scare him. They teach him how to sail his ship.

Those recycled failed political "products" contesting against him in 2019 will only maximize their misery, frustration, and bitterness because he is a man on a date with destiny. Anyone with a fair knowledge of his election story knows he is a man destined for divine uplift. Therefore fighting this man is a mission impossible. History has shown that he is a force committed to conquering all studs and challenges to his divine assignment.

When it comes to politics, his political motivation is second to none. To him, everyday is a new opportunity to do something new for his people. He has the requisite link and connection to make things happen. It beats many that even as a PDP governor, he appears to be enjoying a special relationship with the APC led government at the centre. That is a mark of genius.

Returning Governor Umahi in 2019 is one of the smartest ways to use your voter's card. It is one of the ways to unlock more developments for this generation and generations unborn. This man stands for inclusivity and has never left any section behind in his developmental blueprint. Discernible Ebonyians know better than to buy into the senseless propaganda sown by enemies of state, against a man who has been showered with accolades regionally and nationally for making significant difference in the life of his people.

This man has shattered precedence. Under his reign, underdevelopment has been terribly diminished. Empowerment has gotten a positive face. Leaking purses have been sealed. And inferiority complex hovering around Ebonyi people have been crushed to dust.

Let's carry Ebonyi to a greater level by returning this man come 2019. Let nobody distort this divine trajectory of progress for our dear state. We have a common duty to build a stable and prosperous Ebonyi state.

A failed product cannot become best seller overnight. This is my message for some dettoheads and neophytes in diapers, eyeing the number one executive seat in 2019. Kachukwu mezieokwu!

THE DAY EBONYI SOUTH ZONE HONOURED THEIR SON



By Philip Nweze


The mega rally organized last Friday by the people of Ebonyi South district in support of Governor David Umahi is a great example of what happens when leadership does its work right. The buzz around Government Secondary School Afikpo, venue of the event captured it all. Umahi is a symbol that his people themselves choose to lift up with their votes and invest their collective dreams in. The southerners couldn't help but roll out their drums to publicly acknowledge the performance of their son which has shaken Ebonyi state to its root and rekindled hope in the future of democracy in the state. Without doubt, their son and governor has unleashed a series of well thought out and adequately funded development schemes across the state and when the curtain finally drops on the current tenure, Governor Umahi will take a deserved bow to the tumultuous cheer of an appreciative audience of kinsmen and brothers.

The mega rally delivered on the wings of Ebonyi South Development Public Officers Forum was a demonstration of a rare show of unity by the southerners. The event , which was an expression of public officers from the zone was an opportunity to celebrate and bring to the front burner their son's infrastructural and administrative accomplishments comprising good road networks, modern flyovers, beautified capital territory laced with trappings of modernity; including different brands of empowerment initiatives for Ebonyians and non Ebonyians residing in the state.

The governor arrived the scene like a king of the jungle, accompanied by his wife Rachel. The rousy welcome given to him was indicative of a man who has endeared himself to his people. The superlative support was encouraging and instructive. The welcome party was reflective of a man fondly loved and cherished by his people.

Not only was the governor honoured with a grand civic reception by his people, he was equally presented with a cheque of ten million naira, in advance, for the purchase of his gubernatorial nomination ticket as a sign of their commitment to his 're-election bid, in addition to two brand new campaign buses.

The rally cracked to life when the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus stormed Government Secondary School Afikpo. The PDP leadership believes that Umahi has garnered a shimmering rainbow of colours with his stunning performance. His speech had so many emotional hooks that sought to rouse Ndi Ebonyi and urge them to seize the moment. Seconds was full of praises for a man who has laid a solid foundation upon which his state stands. A man who has placed Ebonyi state on the map of national politics. A man who has transformed Ebonyi into a first class state.

After a thorough assessment of the brand of leadership in Ebonyi state, Secondus and his team, described Ebonyi Governor as a rare gift to his people. They spoke admiringly of the governor's vision and commitment which has placed the young state on the laps of glory and made her a force to reckon with in the league of States.

The hugely successful event lived up to its billings. There is no better way to show appreciation to a man who has brought the south to limelight; out of the woods to the land of hope and dream, other than gathering with a unified voice as they did, to collectively assure him that they are for him and with him in his quest to make Ebonyi state the number one state in the country.

EBONYI APC: A PARTY IN DISARRAY


By Philip Nweze

There is a desperate political coalition in Ebonyi state now known as the All Progressive Congress (APC); whose stock in trade is insults, attacks and lack of decorum because the party and her members have nothing to offer the people of Ebonyi state except only a desperate plan to take over power at all costs.

Incase you are one of those contesting on the platform of APC in Ebonyi state, then be getting ready to sink your political career. That the APC is a sinking ship in Ebonyi state is a fact. The party doesn't have the edge in any aspect of politicking here in Ebonyi. They are bankrupt with human capital. They lack ideologies and a sense of direction. And most importantly, here in Ebonyi, their memberships do not make up to 10 per cent of the voting electorate.

The Eze Nwachukwu Eze led APC in Ebonyi state is a train wreck. A snapshot of the crises in the party today says it all. Leaders of the party have begun a running battle with each other. The mouse and cat game between the camps has continued unabated. The shameful somersault of decency and decorum is the order of the day. Right now, the party is bedeviled by thick internal wrangling, which is leading straight to implosion within its ranks. The handwriting on the wall portends political doom for the party in 2019. The party has constituted itself into an opposition to its members even more than the rival parties in the state. The APC boat in Ebonyi state is destined for the Red Sea. No more; no less. The party is shedding blood everyday and weakening seriously.

When I look at APC, all I see for the members is political careers truncated by a needless ego war in an organization that lacks basic foundation. Digging further into its membership profile reveals that Ebonyi APC is now a vacation spot for obsolete politicians. The party is just experimenting, and it will be hard for an experimenting party to win election in Nigeria. A party needs to have roots, solid foundation, contacts to win. Carpetting the governor on the social media daily and pummelling him with insults does not win election. Hiring cyber warriors and political illiterates to launch aggressive media war does not win elections. Tact and numbers rule the political terrain.

The party, which is barely five years old in Ebonyi state, has found it extremely difficult to halt the exit of key members in rapid succession to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, controlled by Engr David Umahi and also to resolve internal disputes within its local government chapters, which have festered for months. Common sense dictates the APC needs to reinforce and create a formidable opposition. But they can't. APC Ebonyi lacks the discipline to satisfactorily handle everyones personal interest within its fold, the level of conflict of interest is staggering.In fact, I see several factions of APC springing up before 2019 in the state.

The party has run into storm and there is no coming out of it. They have failed every litmus test. Its members are just kicking and screaming for nothing. With the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu in control of things, I don't see APC going anywhere.

There is no party in the history of Ebonyi State that has suffered so much disarray like the present All Progressive Congress, APC led by Onu.

At this pace the party should not expect anything good in 2019.

GOVERNOR UMAHI AND THE HERDSMEN CRISIS RESOLUTION


By Philip Nweze

Third week of January, a NEC Technical sub committee, headed by Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi, was raised to visit the four most affected states in the raging conflict between fulani herdsmen and native farmers across the country. The sub-committee was carved out of a ten-member working committee of governors, earlier inaugurated and headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to engage and dialogue with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and other groups of cattle herders in a bid to end the clashes and bloodshed pummeling the country.

Given the delicate nature of this assignment, Governor David Umahi emerged as the best pick to chair the sub committee. The unanimous adoption of Umahi, by other governors to lead the push for the restoration of peace in the North East and North Central regions is traceable to his vast knowledge and wealth of experience in matters of state. Even as Nigeria is being controlled by the All Progressive Congress (APC), Governor Umahi's relevance in Nigerian politics has never diminished as he is still consulted by the ruling party whenever the need arises.

He took the job in good fate and executed it with panache and aplomb. Series of national consultations and interactions with key actors in the conflict were initiated. His ingenious solution has resulted in enduring peace and prevented skirmishes. This opportunity once again proved the governor a consummate politician, master tactician and strategist. As leader of the peace project, he came up with practical ideas that the federal government can actually tap into to resolve the crisis permanently.

The current initiative of open nationwide consultations, which is his brain child yielded robust results. For instance, in Taraba state, the governor agreed to temporarily suspend the anti-open grazing law in the state to allow for some amendments in some of the contentious sections. The decision came after three days of intensive deliberations between the Umahi-led committee and key stakeholders in Taraba state.

By performing the near impossible task of bringing two perceived enemies to the dialogue table, everywhere he visited, Governor Umahi has carved his name in the national roll of honours and demonstrated that he is a detribalised leader committed to the wholesome growth and development of the country and its corporate existence.

Suffice it to say that Engr Umahi occupies a pride of place in Nigerian politics today. He is one of the voices that are sought to be heard in terms of emergency. He is steadfast and strong willed and does not hesitate to air his views with all sense of candour, on any national issue.

Today, the governor is not only leading the push for a more realistic political approach towards resolving the farmers/pastoralist conflict, he is also championing the strengthening of conflict resolution mechanisms and initiating long term efforts to reform livestock management practices, address negative environmental trends and curb cross border movements of herders.

The governor has remained a symbol of cohesion and a voice of caution and restraint. History will remember him as the man who cured Nigeria of the herdsmen malaise.

THE TRUE VERSION OF GOVERNOR UMAHI'S STATEMENT ON GRAZING LOCATIONS FOR HERDSMEN



By Philip Nweze


It has come to the notice of concerned Ebonyians that there is a statement purportedly attributed to His Excellency, the governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi, currently making the rounds on social media.

Some of such unfounded stories contained in the statement include that traditional rulers in the state have been authorized by the governor to create grazing areas for fulani herdsmen to rear their cattle and have also been mandated to assemble data of herdsmen operating in Ebonyi state to facilitate the process.

Suddenly, the matter has taken an ominous curve and tongues are wagging from every quarters. Expectedly, the rumours elicited anger and bewilderment from the Igbo public. How can a murderous terrorist group like the herdsmen, acclaimed even internationally as deadly be openly defended and quartered in Ebonyi state, of all places? The governor has been under heavy, excruciating and venomous verbal cum scribal attacks by blind critics who conveniently swallowed this roadside gossip hook, line and sinker. I make bold to state that the story in circulation is not only fallacious but mischievous and nauseating. Such a report is an unfair misrepresentation of Governor Umahi's speech and therefore people should disregard the content of the publication.

I wish to state for the records that the purported statement aimed at pitching the governor against his people is contrived and baseless. The comments making rounds did not emanate from the governor or any of his aides.

The governor who was simply reacting to the persistent damage of agricultural crops and farmlands by the normadic herdsmen had charged traditional rulers to agree on grazing locations for the herdsmen and their animals, where they would be restricted for their grazing activities to save the future of agriculture in the state. "When the grasses in such areas finish, you should arrange for another location for grazing, because we will not tolerate cattle eating or destroying crops on our farmlands," said the governor. "We want to put such restraining measures to prevent cattle rustling...I still maintain that there would not be movement of cattle from one area to another in the state."

A lot of half-truths, misinformation and outright falsehood have attended the pronouncement since it dropped out from the governor's mouth These lies deliberately manufactured by the opposition in the state have resonated among the governor's die-hard critics. The aim is to create a dark picture about the governor and score a huge political point for the opposition.

By consigning the herdsmen outside the farmlands, the governor was simply seeking a new rule of engagement. Adopting hardline approach such as outright eviction, as being advocated by some people is not the solution. Let's also remember that we have our people in other parts of the country. Good neighbourliness is important.

I therefore use this medium to appeal to all well meaning Nigerians to ignore the story making the round and condemn the act of unethical practice by those disseminating the deceptive story.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Ebonyi State Governor in conjunction with relevant stakeholders from the South East region is making frantic effort to ensure that fulani herdsmen are not domiciled in any part of Igbo land. This is a fact.

Therefore, the creators and managers of such fraudulent allegations tagged to the governor are on a character assassination mission and their words should be seen beyond face value. The governor has not indicated interest to indoctrinate cattle colonies or ranching or grazing in any part of the state at any time, or asked anybody to campaign for it.

The attention of the general public is therefore drawn to such campaigners of calumny and merchants of falsehood, who are bent on tarnishing his image by dishing out egregious lies borne out of deep seated hatred and envy.

Let it be known that this is election year . It should be noted that a lot of people will be cashing in on any available opportunity to concoct all sorts of fabricated lies in order to achieve their selfish agendas. The public should note that apart from the governor's directive for compilation of data of herdsmen, which includes herdsmen names, locations and contact phone numbers of their leaders, no further comments and statements being attributed to him are from him. The aim of such documentation is to identify and stop cattle rearers coming from Niger republic and other neighbouring African countries to forment trouble.

Let us remember that this is a very sensitive topic and we must be careful with our utterances.

The administration of Governor David Umahi, as we all know, will not settle for anything apart from vigorously pursuing the overall well being of Ebonyi people.

kelechi50:
When I see your write up on nairaland praise singing the governor, I began to ask what you praise singer's will do if he does what Peter Obi did in Anambra State, 177 communities were tied and electricity to every community and other infrastructure development through out the state, now tell the world how many roads he tied in Ikwo communities and rural electrification completed

You deserve to be stoned to death. who was the Gov. of Ebonyi State for 8 years?

kelechi50:
When I see your write up on nairaland praise singing the governor, I began to ask what you praise singer's will do if he does what Peter Obi did in Anambra State, 177 communities were tied and electricity to every community and other infrastructure development through out the state, now tell the world how many roads he tied in Ikwo communities and rural electrification completed

you deserve to be stoned to death. who was the Gov. of Ebonyi State for 8 years?

SEASON OF ENDORSEMENTS FOR "UNCLE DAVE"



By Philip Nweze


It was a roll-out of unprecedented crowd never before seen, on Friday, as the people of Ezza nation converged on Onueke, the ancestral home of Ezza Ezekuna clan to lend their numerical weight to the state-wide clamour for the state governor to seek re-election in the 2019 guber race, a call which has been chorused across the political firmament of Ebonyi state and beyond, by the young and old. Yesterday's rally came with a bang and made its far reaching impact felt with an explosive crowd that poured into the arena.

Political leaders, traditional rulers, various social groups of Ebonyi extraction have continued to rain down endorsements on the governor of Ebonyi State, Engr David Umahi. It is not surprising that this season of endorsement has come sooner than expected for the governor despite the next general election being more than one year ahead. And it is not for nothing that people of Ebonyi state are raining endorsements on him. Their love for a man who has generated the fireworks that has produced the fascination that has put Ebonyi on the lap of honour and given her an imperishable image it enjoys today, is justified.

A man of many firsts, "Uncle Dave" has used his magic wand to turn around an hitherto sleepy state into a centre of attraction in the nation. His massive investments in infrastructure, health, education and youth empowerment are well documented. For instance, on assumption of office, he vowed to ensure that Ebonyi indigens are not used as house helps in major cities across Nigeria. He has delivered on this front as his youth empowerment programmes have adequately engaged a lot of young people. Umahi has shown that even Ebonyi can work if the right people are in the right positions. Among all the governors that have ruled Ebonyi, "Uncle Dave" has an edge.

One area where he has been hailed even more constantly is, his immense contributions to the state's agricultural sector. Realising that the state has an intimidating agricultural potentials, Umahi used his connections to team up with the agricultural ministry and various development partners in ensuring that farmers in the state got the right incentives to help their businesses grow.

A silent achiever, financial challenges which has brought this country to its knees could not deter him from fulfilling his promises to his people people. In an era where most leaders see power as a honey pot for unbroken earnings to flow voluminously into their accounts, Governor Umahi has deployed the apparatus of state for systematic cleansing of the political closet.

These efforts haven't gone unnoticed and unrewarded. Ebonyians are awed and their unimpeachable conclusion is that one good turn deserves another, and that the reward for hardwork is more work. From Onicha to Ivo to Ohaozara to Izzi and to Ezza North and South, even to old Afikpo zone, Ikwo, Ishielu and Ohaukwu, the political proclamations are the same. Doses of appeals for the governor to stage a come-back come 2019 has reached an overwhelming crescendo. It is a sign of gratitude of Ebonyi people to the man who came just in time to wave the magic wand. It is an acknowledgement of the success story of the Umahi led renaissance. It is a reward for commitment to excellence.

Call "Uncle Dave" Nigeria greatest governor of all times and you wouldn't be wrong.

Nigeria is facing hard times. Insecurity is on the rise. The economy is irredemably deformed. The're is socio political pandemic. Yet Ebonyi state stays afloat amid all these turbulence. In a world where there is a universal failure of governance, Dave stands out with his rich performance credentials. Governor Umahi is a proof that tribe of great men never finishes. He is one politician that can comfortably walk the streets of Abakaliki after his tenure without fear of harassment from the residents. This is one politician that will be bowing out of his first tenure and subsequent tenures with his head high.

No doubt, the endorsements have shut the door against other shady aspirants in the state who are known to be nursing inordinate ambitions to clinch power. Universally, proponents of endorsement argue that a sitting-president or governor deserves the right to the ‘option of first refusal’ even in civilized climes like America. The right becomes even more symbolic when such a leader has justified his return for a second tenure rule through solid performance. That means that the gale of endorsements for our governor are neither myopic or unwarranted.

Ebonyi has kept a constant pace because a genius in d game, to nurture the young state to unimaginable pedestal. Umahi who had an expert eye for the best and technical know-how to unearthed developmental ideas which he had used in redecorating the political horizon of our state is just the right man for the job come 2019.

Today, those who blushed with embarrassment when the governor's victory at the polls was announced, and grinned at the wrong sides of their mouth in protest, have been disappointed and shamed to lick back their vomit.

Nweze1986:
LASSA FEVER CRITICS LEAVE EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT ALONE


By Philip Nweze


The incurable critics and wailers are at it again. It seems these rustic negative people are never tired of whispering the name "Umahi" and dishing out occasional doses of falsehood on the name. It disturbed my peace of mind when I read the torrents of criticisms and verbal missiles fired at the state government by these charlatans and hirelings over the recent fresh outbreak of lassa fever in the state. Initially, I thought I should ignore them. But with our collective silence the critics have become more daring. I was particularly miffed and embarrassed that fellow Ebonyians are portraying themselves in such unacceptable bad light by playing politics with the unfortunate death of their fellow compatriots who fell to the dreaded lassa fever disease.

Despite the lies, misinformation and falsehood, the truth, as always, remains unassailable.The Lassa Fever disease which has so far claimed the lives of three medical personnel and a patient at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki has been met with corresponding decisive action ever since it reared it's ugly murderous head. Among the interventions was the release of five million naira to fully activate the Virology Centre, Abakaliki built two years ago.

Part of the five million naira will be used to train medical personnel and procure some reagents to equip the Centre. Also, following a distress call to the Hon Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, by the governor, the minister immediately flew down some medical experts from Abuja, in addition to the ones to be sourced from Lagos and Benin to facilitate the training of a newly assembled lassa fever crack team.

Similarly, an approval has also been given to release two million naira to a Lassa Fever Committee to mount surveillance and monitoring in and around Hausa Quarters, MacGregor and Mata Hospital, Afikpo as well as FETHA One and Two Abakaliki where the first contacts were traced to, while relatives of the victims are also to be put on close monitoring and rigorous surveillance. Also, public, private and mission schools in Ebonyi state have been shut down for one week until 26th January to check the spread of the killer disease.

Rather than berated, kudos should go to the state government for its swift intervention, strong leadership and effective coordination of the response that included the immediate establishment of a committee of government and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), release of funds and drafting of experts from across the country. The Government’s quick action and deployment of the necessary resources was key to averting a major disaster. If not for the doggedness of Ebonyi state goverror in containing the disease, the scenario could have snowballed into a major epidemic. Also, don't forget the proactive steps and drastic measures earlier taken even before the disease resurfaced in 2018. The most pronounced were the building of a first rate virology laboratory, procurement of ambulances and a sustained media awareness campaign till date.

It is particularly saddening that the world class Lassa Fever Centre has not become functional since it was built and handed over to the Federal Government in 2016. But should the governor and his team receive the bashing for its dormant operational status? Hell No! The governor should rather be applauded and venerated for the steps taken so far in addressing the plague of lassa fever.

Once the lassa fever red alert hit town, Governor Umahi put together at an emergency meeting convened on Tuesday 16th January, to coordinate immediate risk assessment of the situation and fashion out the strengthening of prevention and preparedness for any potential introduction of the virus to more parts of the state. In the past one week, there has been an increased focus on reinforcing principles of infection prevention and control across the state. What more can you ask of a governor.

In all fairness, Gov. Umahi deserves triple kudos​ for venturing into the Virology centre project for the benefit of Ebonyi people. The handover of the centre to the Federal Government was necessary for effective use and maintenance of the centre but unfortunately the characteristic snail speed approach of the central government had set in to deny Ebonyi people the benefit of this visionary project.

Given the periodic outbreaks of lassa fever in Ebonyi state, the Virology centre project is an important one and so should not be politicized the way some people are doing. This is moreso given the lives that have been lost, the negative impacts of the lassa fever outbreak on the socio-economic life of the people and the hopelessness the non-functional Virology centre has foisted on Ebonyi people!

The blackmail against the governor is diversionary and misplaced. Ebonyi people and all men of good will should demand explanation on the non-functional status of the Virology centre in Abakaliki from the Federal Ministry of Health who took it over since 2016 and upgraded it to a zonal hospital.

The APC sponsored online mouth leaking goons are bereft of ideas hence this shameful attempt to drag the name and reputation of the governor into disrepute with their pre-mediated attacks.

I rest my case!

More pictures

LASSA FEVER CRITICS LEAVE EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT ALONE


By Philip Nweze


The incurable critics and wailers are at it again. It seems these rustic negative people are never tired of whispering the name "Umahi" and dishing out occasional doses of falsehood on the name. It disturbed my peace of mind when I read the torrents of criticisms and verbal missiles fired at the state government by these charlatans and hirelings over the recent fresh outbreak of lassa fever in the state. Initially, I thought I should ignore them. But with our collective silence the critics have become more daring. I was particularly miffed and embarrassed that fellow Ebonyians are portraying themselves in such unacceptable bad light by playing politics with the unfortunate death of their fellow compatriots who fell to the dreaded lassa fever disease.

Despite the lies, misinformation and falsehood, the truth, as always, remains unassailable.The Lassa Fever disease which has so far claimed the lives of three medical personnel and a patient at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki has been met with corresponding decisive action ever since it reared it's ugly murderous head. Among the interventions was the release of five million naira to fully activate the Virology Centre, Abakaliki built two years ago.

Part of the five million naira will be used to train medical personnel and procure some reagents to equip the Centre. Also, following a distress call to the Hon Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, by the governor, the minister immediately flew down some medical experts from Abuja, in addition to the ones to be sourced from Lagos and Benin to facilitate the training of a newly assembled lassa fever crack team.

Similarly, an approval has also been given to release two million naira to a Lassa Fever Committee to mount surveillance and monitoring in and around Hausa Quarters, MacGregor and Mata Hospital, Afikpo as well as FETHA One and Two Abakaliki where the first contacts were traced to, while relatives of the victims are also to be put on close monitoring and rigorous surveillance. Also, public, private and mission schools in Ebonyi state have been shut down for one week until 26th January to check the spread of the killer disease.

Rather than berated, kudos should go to the state government for its swift intervention, strong leadership and effective coordination of the response that included the immediate establishment of a committee of government and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), release of funds and drafting of experts from across the country. The Government’s quick action and deployment of the necessary resources was key to averting a major disaster. If not for the doggedness of Ebonyi state goverror in containing the disease, the scenario could have snowballed into a major epidemic. Also, don't forget the proactive steps and drastic measures earlier taken even before the disease resurfaced in 2018. The most pronounced were the building of a first rate virology laboratory, procurement of ambulances and a sustained media awareness campaign till date.

It is particularly saddening that the world class Lassa Fever Centre has not become functional since it was built and handed over to the Federal Government in 2016. But should the governor and his team receive the bashing for its dormant operational status? Hell No! The governor should rather be applauded and venerated for the steps taken so far in addressing the plague of lassa fever.

Once the lassa fever red alert hit town, Governor Umahi put together at an emergency meeting convened on Tuesday 16th January, to coordinate immediate risk assessment of the situation and fashion out the strengthening of prevention and preparedness for any potential introduction of the virus to more parts of the state. In the past one week, there has been an increased focus on reinforcing principles of infection prevention and control across the state. What more can you ask of a governor.

In all fairness, Gov. Umahi deserves triple kudos​ for venturing into the Virology centre project for the benefit of Ebonyi people. The handover of the centre to the Federal Government was necessary for effective use and maintenance of the centre but unfortunately the characteristic snail speed approach of the central government had set in to deny Ebonyi people the benefit of this visionary project.

Given the periodic outbreaks of lassa fever in Ebonyi state, the Virology centre project is an important one and so should not be politicized the way some people are doing. This is moreso given the lives that have been lost, the negative impacts of the lassa fever outbreak on the socio-economic life of the people and the hopelessness the non-functional Virology centre has foisted on Ebonyi people!

The blackmail against the governor is diversionary and misplaced. Ebonyi people and all men of good will should demand explanation on the non-functional status of the Virology centre in Abakaliki from the Federal Ministry of Health who took it over since 2016 and upgraded it to a zonal hospital.

The APC sponsored online mouth leaking goons are bereft of ideas hence this shameful attempt to drag the name and reputation of the governor into disrepute with their pre-mediated attacks.

I rest my case!

motiond16:
Beliv dis news at ur own risk, i was born and brought up in ebonyi statet and al my education til uni. wer al in ebonyi. It is unfortunate i was barn 4 over 3 yrs cuz of rule voilation. Nweze philip has been 4 so long decieving and misleading ppl with no shame nor remorse in d name of praising his pay master. 96% of trash he drops here are al lies 4rm d pit of hell. He paid 2 yrs civil servants promotion arears of 2015/2016, meanwhl he only paid 50% each of those yrs and wat hapnd 2 d remaining 50%, shared 5kg and 10kg of rice, stil owing 3 months arears 2 d community healt workers of wich my mum is a victim. Placed and embergo on workers promotion and as a degree holder, your startment salary is #28000 with no promotion ever. This is a tip of d surffering Ebonyians ar passing through without no speaking out cuz if u do u may become a history. An anverage ebonyian earn 35 to 40k, an u hav 1 or 2 children in uni. Where their fees is b/t 80k to 118k depending on d course. Who is decieving who. With time i am going 2 write an articule dat wil expose diz God forsaking so cald gorvonnor eng. Dave Nweze Umahi.

must you reason with your anus?

STILL ON EBONYI CIVIL SERVANTS

By Philip Nweze

The year 2018 opened on an optimistic note for civil servants in Ebonyi state. Unprecedented number of bank alerts which started in the twilight of 2017 continued unabated, after a bumper Christmas celebration which saw their earning index shoot up incredibly, as a result of catalogues of payments, ranging from arrears of leave allowance, outstanding promotion benefits and strings of mouth watering Christmas bonuses. Civil servants who queud up to enjoy this grand gesture will never forget 2017 in a hurry. Their salary accounts were punctuated with intermittent bank alerts which rained money till January 2 when the mother of all entitlements: 50% of their basic salary hit their accounts as new year palliative from the governor.

The governor became a national top scorer on the salary payment chart. And Ebonyi state became an oasis of respite for financialily strapped workers. suddenly, the fate of civil servants has taken a positive curve. The governor seems to have developed a well thought-out blueprint to douse possible government-labour skirmishes, through his mega acts of philanthropy. His life has been a life of service, a study in finding ways to help others.

The governor realizes that the civil service is one of the key levers for making the world a better place. He believes in the popular saying that a labourer deserves his wages, so salaries of civil servants first before any thing else. This has gone a long way to deepen his reputation as worker friendly governor par excellence. In governance too, he is a special breed.

The governor and his team deserves a great deal of credit for going to this great length to please civil servants. Devoting a slice of the state's income to welfare of workers. This acts of kindness cannot go unnoticed in a world where the environment seems harsh and cold for an average civil servant in Nigeria.

This high value gifts to civil servants has ensured dat any likelihood to cause hardship was nipped in d bud. All over the state joy and happiness prevailed. January 2 brought sweet relief to anxious civil servants who have been pinning their hopes on the promises by the governor to cushion their Christmas and new year expenses.

That the arduous task of paying salaries that falls in his laps at a period where the ruling elite finds it difficult to face up to the financial challenges facing the nation, begs for pity than for envy, is no longer news. But Governor Umahi has surprisingly weathered the storm with admirable aplomb and panache. Never in the history of the state had workers smiled home to Christmas with so many bags of goodies.

Today, the celebratory of Ebonyi workers is one that is most irrepressible. The future is even pregnant with more goodies for the state's workforce. Making workers happy is the underlying tenet of his administration's policy thrust.

Umahi,s contract accountability prowess

By Philip Nweze

One of the many achievements of Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi in the outgoing year is his ability to sustain discipline in the execution of contracts awarded with tax payers money.

Absence of such vigilance in the past was the greatest mistake made by his predecessors which formed the pivot of their failure. They awarded contracts and never bothered to supervise them either because the money was never coming from their pockets and so they weren't feeling the pain or because they were using it to compensate their cronies and lackeys.

Umahi will give contract, and regardless of who is supervising it; insist that it will be done and delivered according to specifications. This long established principle does not spare any sacred cow. This is how he has been able to achieve towering trail-blazing infrastructural profile for the state and closure of our leaking purse which has been going into individual pockets. He has broken the cartels that siphoned our collective sweat into private fortunes.

In today Ebonyi, procedures for award of contract has been practically reborn. The governor doesn't believe in dishing out piecemeal approach to projects execution or in using contracts to settle "boys". No. Here in Ebonyi, requisite link and connections don't get you contracts. Expertise and track record of performance does.

We say welcome to this new regime of accountability.

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Cheap blackmail from the pit of hell. opposition in the state using the weapon of rape will at the end make the young man more popular.

Nwaze Francis is innocent.