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Defence/Security

Yuletide: NSCDC deploys tactical units across Ebonyi

NSCDC
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec. 29, 2022 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ebonyi, says it has deployed tactical units across the state to protect critical infrastructure during and after the yultide.
The State Commandant of the corps, Felix Gbolade, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abakaliki while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Gbolade who spoke through the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Paul Odimba, said that the command also assured the citizens of their safety.
“The tactical squads include the anti-vandalism team, rapid response squad, female strike force, agro-rangers, among others.
“The personnel were adequately trained to comply with the rule of engagements and subsequently deployed to the nooks and crannies of the state,” he said.
The state commandant said that the command’s intelligence team had been deployed to various flashpoints across the state.
“It is better to be proactive than reactive as the intelligence team will be providing intelligence information on how to ensure peaceful yuletide in the state.
“All divisional officers, operational heads among others are to ensure that vandalism or breach of peace are checked.”
He noted that the command liased with the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC) on ways to ensure maximum security for its facilities in the state.
“We visited the the INEC office at Izzi Local Government Area of the state recently destroyed by hoodlums.
“We discovered that the location of the facility was vulnerable, making it difficult for maximum security to be provided.
“We have, however, suggested that its facilities, especially those in the rural areas, be sited in locations that are not vulnerable,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
RCO/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
Politics

Communal crisis: Gov Umahi orders arrest of state APC chairman, Reps candidate

Unrest
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec.27, 2022 (NAN) Gov David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered the arrest of the state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha and a party Chieftain, Chief Eni Chima over communal unrest.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a supremacy battle between supporters of Okoro-Emegha and Chima, the House of Representatives candidate for Afikpo North/South federal constituency at Ekoli -Edda, Afikpo South LGA, on Dec. 26.
The battle led to the death of three persons and destruction of property worth millions of naira including Okoro-Emegha’s house.
The order of arrest was contained in a statement signed by Umahi”s Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mr Chooks Oko and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
Oko, in the statement, said that the govenor during an  assessment tour of the area to determine the level of damages, expressed dismay at the unfortunate development.
The governor directed the state commissioner of police to arrest all those connected with the carnage and ensure they face justice.
The governor announced the suspension of all social gatherings in Edda until normalcy returns.
“He also urged the commissioner of police to deploy adequate security presence in the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.
The governor’s aide remarked that the entire  Ekoli-Edda has been cordoned by a combined team of the Police, Army and the Ebubeagu security outfit.
NAN recalls that the fatricidal Ezillo/ Ezza-Ezillo communal crisis in the state was equally caused by two major political gladiators from the area. (NAN) (nannews ng)
RCO/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Education

Ebonyi: LP Reps candidate offers scholarship to children of gunmen’s victim

Ebonyi: LP Reps candidate offers scholarship to children of gunmen’s victim
Scholarship
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec. 27, 2022 (NAN) The House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency of Ebonyi, Chief Ndubisi Chibueze-Agbo, has offered scholarships to children of late Ikechukwu Udoka, who was killed by gunmen in the area.
Udoka was a member of the Ebubeagu security outfit, set up by the state government.
Chibueze-Agbo, of the Labour Party (LP), made the offer on Tuesday when he paid a Christmas visit to the family of the late Ebubeagu operative at his hometown, Onuorie, Umuagara, Izhia in Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Chibueze-Agbo, a Former Commissioner for Education in the state, condoled the deceased’s wife, his five children (3 boys and 2 girls), aged mother and the entire family.
“I will enroll the children of the deceased in schools and I call on the the state government to assist the family by providing a reasonable job for his wife to enable her take care of the children and his aged mother.
“I also urge the government to provide shelter for the family as the deceased could not complete the building he was constructing and which was destroyed by rain,” he said.
He described the late Ikechukwu Udoka as a public-spirited individual who died in active service while trying to secure lives and properties of the citizens.
“The government should take adequate care of the families of individuals who lost their lives serving the state.
“This is to prevent apathy in the delivery of essential and selfless service to the state,” he said.
Mrs Chinenye Udoka, wife of the deceased, thanked Chibueze-Agbo amidst sobs, lamenting that her life had been shattered with her husband’s death.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chibueze-Agbo was accompanied on the visit by members of the United for Jesus Ministry which the deceased belonged to before his death. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CO/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi
Politics

APC’s Gov. Umahi sanctions his party for contravening Executive Order

Fine

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, Dec. 25, 2022 (NAN) Ebonyi’s Gov. David Umahi has ordered that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state pays a fine of N5 million for contravening the provisions of the state’s Executive Order 3 of 2022.

The Executive Order 3 prohibits political parties from using public places such as schools, parks, and markets among others for political activities without seeking and obtaining due clearance from the state government.

The order, signed by the governor in November, also prohibits political parties from using critical infrastructures for pasting posters without obtaining state’s clearance,

The order for the fine imposed on the APC in the state is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji on Sunday in Abakaliki.

He stated that Gov. Umahi was saddened by parties’ continuous pasting of posters on electric poles, meridians, concrete roads, and on flyover bridges.

“These parties include the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

“When APC flagged off its presidential and governorship campaigns in the state, it littered the infrastructures with posters and that made other political parties to follow suit.

“Most of the critical infrastructure have been littered with posters against the laws of the state government and the Executive Order regarding the pasting of posters and billboards,’’ the statement noted.

Orji noted that Gov. Umahi had consequently decided to use his political party, the APC to set example as a deterrent to others.

“The party is thus fined N5 million for contravening the law and the Executive Order.

“The APC must pay the money to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue account and obtain a receipt.

“The party should publish the payment in all media platforms including the social media before Dec. 31 or risk paying a default fee of 50 million,’’ the statement read.

Gov. Umahi also ordered the APC to remove all posters on pasted infrastructures before Dec. 31.

“The Governor has decided to forgive all other political parties and appeal to them to remove their posters on critical infrastructures before Dec. 31.

“They are to desist forthwith from defacing our facilities or face similar penalty like APC in Ebonyi.

“The governor appeals to all political parties not to take this benevolence as a sign of weakness.

“Government will seal all secretariats and campaign offices of parties that fail to remove their posters or desist from continuous pasting of posters on critical infrastructure,’’ he warned.

Orji stated also that Gov. Umahi had banned all street campaigns in the state.

“He has directed all local government area chairmen, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports and the Commissioner for Education among other aides, to process all applications of political parties intending to use infrastructures for campaigns.

“Any political party that is denied such opportunity and has complied with the laws of the state and the Executive Order must report to the state governor.

“Affected parties can also report to the Commissioner of Police or the Director of the State Security Service within 24 hours for immediate approval,’’ the statement read. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

RCO/ALLI

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Defence/Security

Burning of INEC offices in Ebonyi must stop – IGP

Burning of INEC offices in Ebonyi must stop – IGP
INEC
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec. 23, 2022 (NAN) The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has urged police personnel in Ebonyi to ensure that the incessant burning of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices  ceases immediately.
Baba gave the order on Friday in Abakaliki while addressing personnel of the force as part of activities marking his visit to the state.
Baba urged the personnel to do all within their powers to protect INEC facilities and other public facilities in the state.
“The mode of attack by these hoodlums are complex because they throw bombs and dynamites among others from distances.
“We believe that in addition to providing physical security at the INEC offices, you should liaise with its officials on providing offices for our personnel,” he said.
The IGP said it is the primary responsibility of the police to provide security at INEC offices across the state even before and after the forthcoming general elections.
“Existing INEC offices across the state should be relocated to safer places if possible but if not, important materials should be relocated to safer places.
“I appreciate all your efforts to protect lives and properties in Ebonyi and the various assistance of the state government to the force,” he said.
He noted that activities of the Ebubeagu Security outfit in the state should be regulated by the police as it should not operate unchecked.
“There is a law establishing the outfit and I am sure that its responsibilities fall under the supervision of the police.
“There is no problem with the outfit wearing uniforms because even community police officers wear uniforms.
“They must, however, have proper means of identification and it should be reiterated that the task of policing is everyone’s business,” he said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, thanked the IGP for the visit and noted that it has greatly boosted the morale of its personnel in the state.
“We promise to redouble our efforts in securing the lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba used the opportunity to answer questions and attend to issues of concern to police personnel.
The IGP was on Dec. 22, conferred with the Ebonyi merit award alongside other distinguished Nigerians by Gov. David Umahi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
RCO/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi
General news

Ebonyi: USAID, stakeholders collaborate toward domesticating PWD Act

ActBy Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec. 20, 2022 (NAN) The USAID State2State project says it is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the domestication of the Persons with Disabilities Act in Ebonyi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the issue dominated discussion at a one-day symposium organised by the agency in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
Ejiro Okotie, the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist for USAID State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness Activity, described the symposiun as apt toward the realisation of the objective of the legislation.
Okotie said the symposium was part of the activities organised to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
According to her, actualising the goal of domesticating the persons with disabilities Act in Ebonyi lies with every stakeholder.
She described USAID State2State project as “more of a catalyst, which creates a forum, such as this symposium, to bring relevant stakeholders together for deliberations.
“These stakeholders would deliberate on practical solutions to issues hindering the domestication of the Act in the state, among other issues concerning persons with disabilities,” she said.
She said that practical steps would be evolved at the end of symposium to ensure that the Act got domesticated.
She said that the project was committed towards enhancing the well-being of vulnerable persons in society.
“We ensure that sub-national governments are accountable, transparent and effective in delivering services to their citizens.
“We collaborate, support states and other partners, such as CSOs, to build their capacities in placing the needs of persons with disabilities at the front burner,” she said.
Mr Parkins Uzor, a discussant at the event, said that domestication of the Act would ensure adequate inclusion of persons with disabilities in education, governance, employment and general scheme of things.
Uzor, who is the President of Disabled Persons Empowerment Foundation, called for the setting up of a ministry for persons with disabilities.
“The issue of lack of funding for associations of persons with disabilities should be drastically addressed to enhance their wellbeing.
“The government should also give associations of persons with disabilities free hand to operate.
“Government should also deal with them directly, instead of using appointees, who are not physically challenged in any form.
Mrs Nkechinyere Uguru, another discussant, advocated the inclusiveness of the rural dwellers in education and other segments of life.
“My organisation, ‘Catch Em Young initiative’ works with persons with disabilities, community leaders, among others, to create the desired inclusiveness and develop communities,” she said.
Mr Jack Ekwe, a participant at the symposium, thanked the agency for organising the event.
Ekwe said that persons with disabilities in the state would benefit from the domestication of the Act. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
RCO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

 

 

 

 

 

General news

Umahi receives highest honours award in Ebonyi

Award
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec.20, 2022 (NAN) Gov. David Umahi has received the highest honours award in Ebonyi, having been confered with Great Grand Commander of Ebonyi Hall of fame.
The conferment is contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Chooks Oko, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
Oko said that the conferment was performed by the state Chief Judge Elvis Ngene at the state executive council chambers.
“The Chairman of the state Honours Committee and Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, said the conferement followed the dictates of Law 008 of 2002 Ebonyi Honours Law.
“Igwe clarified that the award was instituted to reward distinguished Ebonyi people and well-wishers who contributed enormously to the creation and development of the state.
“He emphasised that the highest honour was bestowed on the governor due to his trail-blazing role in rebuilding the state,” Ok said.
According to him, the governor is the recipient of the state’s highest honours award.
“He is also expected to confer other categories of honours on deserving Ebonyi people on Tuesday,” Oko said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
RCO/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
General news

Christmas Party: Umahi orders arrest of caterer over poor food quality for widows, aged

Cook
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec.15, 2022 (NAN) Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Thursday, ordered the arrest of the caterer who allegedly served poor quality food during the Christmas party for widows and the aged in the state.
Umahi, who did not disclose the name of the caterer, said it was terrible for someone to give others what he or she could not consume.
The governor said that the police would follow due process in investigating the cook for her to refund the funds given to her to prepare the food.
“We are therefore, going to repeat this party as we should celebrate our fathers and mothers well.
“The bible enjoins us to honour our fathers and mothers so that our days would be long on earth.
“I want my days to be long because I have suffered from the youth.,” he said.
He declared that he would inspect the food to be served the widows and elders during the repeat celebration scheduled to hold on Dec. 21.
“I have directed the deputy governor and my senior special adviser on religion and welfare matters, to make adequate preparations.
“The celebration must be held on Dec.20 or 21 as anyone who takes what belongs to these category of people is taking trouble,” he said.
Umahi also expressed dismay over the quality of wrappers given to the widows and elders, describing it as low in quality.
“We gave the civil servants high quality of wrapper and they were happy.
“The people who supplied those of the civil servants should be ready to supply 10,000 highest quality wrappers, to the widows and elders,”.
He advised parents to inculcate good morals in their children to check the social vices being witnessed in the country especially in the south east zone.
“When I declared that the mode of agitation some people propagated in the zone would be uncontrollable if not checked, people didn’t take it serious.
“Ebonyi will never be part of any agitation which leads to the killing of our people and unwarranted destruction of property,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
RCO/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Defence/Security

Alleged gunmen attack: Ebonyi Govt. assures citizens of safety

Safety
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec. 12, 2022 (NAN) The Ebonyi Government has assured residents of the state of their safety, following the alleged gunmen’s attacks in Abakaliki and other parts of the state on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the widespread rumour caused palpable fear and tension in the capital city.
The development forced banks, business centres, shops and markets to shut down, while private and commuter-vehicles withdrew from the major roads.
Meanwhile, the Security Consultant to the State Government, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, has issued a statement, advising government officials, civil servants and other residents not to panick.
Okoro-Emegha urged the people to go about their normal businesses.
He threw more light on the security breach that gave rise to the situation.
According to him, what happened in the state was misconstrued and escalated by unscrupulous elements to cause panic and apprehension among the people.
“For clarity purposes, it was a gang of hoodlums that invaded the Ahiaofuru axis of the Abakaliki/Enugu highway.
“They partially attacked a provision shop, causing a stir around the area.
“No life was lost as being circulated by rumour mongers and enemies of the state,” he stated.
Okoro-Emegha, who is also the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, added that the government’s programme scheduled for Monday would still take place.
“The state government is fully in control of the situation.
“The Ebubeagu operatives and other security agencies have been drafted to strategic locations in the state.
“There would be steady patrols by these operatives  to secure the citizens and their property.
“Security operatives would still clampdown on the hoodlums and duly prosecute them,” the statement added.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Chris Anyanwu, assured the public that the state was calm.
“There is no cause for alarm.
“I will provide updates, if there is anything to the contrary,” Anyanwu said in an interview with NAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RCO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
Sports

Umahi, others congratulate Morocco for breaking African world cup jinx

Morocco
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Dec.10, 2022 (NAN) Gov. David Umahi has joined millions of football fans in Abakaliki, to congratulate Morrocco for breaking the African jinx of qualifying for the semi finals of the World Cup.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Atlas Lions on Saturday, defeated Portugal in the quarter finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar by 1-0.
Morocco thus becomes the first African team to qualify for the semi finals of the prestigious competition after the continent’s near misses from Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
Umahi, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Charlse Akpuenika, said that every African should be proud of the moment.
“I want to re-echo the popular saying that what God cannot do does not exist and this is what we have witnessed.
“Africa has waited since the competition started in 1930 for this moment and it is really worthy of praising God,” he said.
The governor congratulated the Moroccan players for their tenacity, noting that they were really committed to succeed.
“The players showed from their first game that they came to the competition to create history and die for their country on the pitch.
“This is a huge lesson for Nigerians in all spheres of life that patriotism and selflessness would make us achieve our set goals,” he said.
He noted that his administration would finish on a high note, especially in the area of sports, to ensure that youths achieved their life ambitions through the sector.
“We would definitely complete the construction of the ultra modern Olympic Stadium in Abakaliki, which would be a sporting model in the country,” he said.
Chike Aribo, former Golden Eaglet Player, described Morocco as the true champions of Africa as it had proved bookmakers wrong with its splendid performances.
“The team defeated Belgium and eliminated Spain and Portugal, all world football super powers.
“The whole of Africa should unite in praying for the team to perform the unthinkable feat of winning the World Cup,” he said.
Mrs Chinyere Okeh, a Teacher and Soccer Buff, urged the players not to be complacent but approach the remaining matches with utmost seriousness.
“The remaining countries in the competition would presently be wary of the Moroccans and would do anything to halt their winning streak,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
RCO/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman