(Being a Speech presented by Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh at a Consultative Briefing & Official unveiling of his Legislative Agenda, Campaign Website and NUJ Correspondents Chapel Media Parley, January 7 – 2023) Historically, the journey to nationhood from state requires transformative leadership that can forge a nation out of distinct ethic groups. Without suchdeterministic leadership available, citizens will continue to see themselves as members of clans, religion, and ethnic groups first before nation states. This is the bane of African states in the so-called bottom billion that is populated by disease, hunger, violence, and despondency. This bottom billion is the failure of humanity. Our own Chinua Achebe affirmed this when he concluded some decades ago that Nigeria’s challenges are simply the failure of Leadership. Nation building ultimately depends upon the choices made by political leaderswhich ultimately influence how […]
Guber 2023: Group Fumes, Warns Izhi Kinsmen Of Rumoured PDP’s Plan To Pick Izhi Man As Deputy Governor
By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Izhi Agenda, a socio-cultural organization have threatened to denounce Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP) faithfuls from Izhi clan who accepted Deputy Governor’s position from the party in the upcoming general election in Ebonyi state. The group made this known in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, comrade Onyibe Jeremiah and made available to our reporter in Abakaliki. According to the statement, the group frowned at the party inglorious attitude towards its zoning principle which they neglected with intention to keep the people as perpetual orphan with the party. They emphasized that the party that’s known to had gained alot of support from Ebonyi North zone whose turn to benefit from the rotational system as seen since the inception of democracy in the state turned back to deny their supporters with a “highest bidder” politics. The […]
2023: Town Union Presidents Drum Support For Ebonyi Governor Of Izhi Extraction
BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI Town union presidents numbering over twenty five on Wednesday, 8th February,2022 called on all political parties in Ebonyi state to maintain the equity distribution and rotation of power in the state by zoning their governorship position to Ebonyi North. The group leaders drawn from the twenty six communities of Izhi clan among Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi North zone said Ebonyi state has since the inception of democracy maintained zoning and power rotation and urged power brokers in the state to maintain the stand for the overall development of the state. This was made known when the team paid solidarity visit to APC gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Edward Okereke Nkwegu in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. Speaking during the visit, the president General, Association of Izzi Development Union, and town union president […]
Umahi’s Wife Organises Security Submit To Ebonyi Women
—–Advises Them On Moral Behaviours, Others By Amuche Agbo The Wife of Ebonyi State Governor Chief (Mrs) Recheal Umahi has organized a one day security submit to Ebonyi Women to reduce security challenges in the State, South East zone and Nigeria in general. Addressing the women at the Christian Ecumenical center Abakaliki, Mrs Umahi said that insecurity will become things of the past if Women should go back and carry out their statutory duties in their various families. She charged the women to embrace good moral behaviors, values and shun laziness, gossip greediness among others but remain committed in breeding responsible and dignified children who would understand the sanctity of life in the society. Mrs Umahi who cautioned mothers against negligence and paying little attention to the lifestyle of their children especially during adolescent age, observed that proper […]
Catholic Clergy Who Transformed a ‘Golgotha’ into A Spiritual and Corporal Edifice Leaves for New Opportunities
By Dan Nwojiji, Abakaliki The atmosphere can best be described as mixtures of anxiety, expressed pain of separation, involuntary resistance to unavoidable change, the feelings associated with the departure of a father-figure ,fear of uncertainties as a selfless priest ,a ‘ perfectionist’, Very Rev. Fr. Nnanna Agara remarkably known for being unwavering in upholding the truth, standards and his convictions takes a step away from St Paul’s Catholic Parish Onuebonyi Inyimegu to St Denis Parish Ebyia Unuphu on 15th September 2021. A journey that started 15 years ago on the 3rd of October 2006 when Bishop Emeritus, His Lordship Michael Nnachi Okoro then Local Ordinary of Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki upgraded then St Paul’s out-station carved out from St Theresa’s Cathedral to a Parish status. Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Nnanna Agara was posted as the pioneer Parish priest. The […]
SARS’ Ban: Govs Nod IGP, as Minister Vows Thorough Probe of Allegations Against Personnel
…Commissioner, FSARS takes steps to enforce IGP’s directives*By Turning Point Reporters* Governors of the 36 states of the federation, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, have lauded the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, for his decision to ban with immediate effect the operations of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS and a range of other Tactical Squads of the Force from routine patrol. The governors’ reaction came as the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, expressed concern over the incessant report of infractions against personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, vowing to thoroughly investigate allegations against them, with a view to bringing them to justice. According to the governors, news of the decision of the IGP was received with great relief and satisfaction. The governors in a statement signed by NGF […]
Mother, Triplets in Agonies of paying Hospital Bills, Cries Out for Help
By NwoghaNdubuisi Andy One Mrs. ChinasaNwambam, a mother of triplets from OgbutaraokuOdarikoIgbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Tuesday, cried woes for not clearing the hospital’s delivery bills of two hundred and sixty thousand Naira (N260, 000). Mrs. Nwambam who was delivered of triplets on the 9th of September, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital, NdubiaIgbeagu in Izzi council area could not pay the hospital bills when discharged because her husband, Mr. UchennaNwambam is only a poor village farmer managing to provide his family a square meal in a day. She said that the hospital has given her a quick notice to clear the bills unless they are ready to risk being kept on a bare floor till the debts are offseted. The mother of the triplets expressed bitter feelings as she has no other means […]
Abakaliki Council Boss wages war Against Crime
<strong>–Charges Village Leaders on Peace Advocacy</strong> By NwoghaNdubuisi Andy The Executive chairman of Abakaliki Local government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele on Monday 21st September,2020, raised alarm over high rate of crimes, charging perpetrators to shun such activities capable of bridging peace as his administration would not tolerate that in the council. Nwangele gave the charge during an enlarged security meeting involving political officeholders, traditional rulers, village heads and youths at the council headquarters, Nkaliki. The Chairman expressed displeasure over herdsmen’s activities in the council such that, the cattle breeders have turned into stealing and destruction of farm produce but however admonished them to champion peace in all course for their own interest. He called on the citizens living at the border areas of the council to employ new tactics to avert any possible eruption of crisis which is […]
Ebonyi: Who Will Save Mbeke Ishieke from Bad Road,octogenarian Cries Out
By Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy, Abakaliki Mbeke is a community carved out of the larger Ishieke autonomous community in Ebonyi Council Area of Ebonyi State. The community where many promising leaders and human develolpers in the state are gradually sprouting out but currently, the road networks leading to the area are so pathetic.People going to Mbeke Ishieke Community from Ebonyi State Capital, Abakaliki can easily drive or trek through Ofoke Ishieke market junction (Nwiboko Obodo road or Idenyi Nwonu road) Ezzangbo junction (Jim Nwobodo road – rig road), Ogbaga-Nwofe Agbaja way, Hittop road or Nwezenyi-Iboko road but all these routes connected to this place are obviously in a bad condition. “The kind of road network built by the Ebonyi State sitting Governor, Engr. David Umahi in some communities will be the best to solve this problem.” This was exactly the […]
Umahi’s wife discharges 63 fistula patients free in Ebonyi
By AmucheAgbo, Abakaliki Wife of Ebonyi state governor Mrs. Rachel Umahi has discharged over sixty repaired fistula patients drawn from eleven states of the country. Addressing the women at the National Obstetric Centre, Abakaliki, the wife of the Governor represented by the Special Assistant to the governor on Welfare Matters, office of her excellency Mrs.PatienceOkorie expressed gratitude to God for the quick recovery of the women, congratulated the health officers and other partners for their effort in ensuring that the patients recuperated advising them never to relent in doing good as God will reward them abundantly. She said that the hospital would continue to render help to women that have such complicated issues in the state to improve their standard of living. The wife of the governor, however, charged the women to adhere strictly to all the instructions […]
Ojiji Izhi: National President Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Others Sue for Peac, Unity
Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki As Izhi clan celebrated her new yam festival, yesterday prominent sons and daughters of the area have continued to pour their heart to God for giving them another opportunity to celebrate new yam festival popularly called ojiji Izhi, as well as, their bumper harvest of yam recorded across Izhi land.While also lauded the state governor, David Umahi, a visionary leader who has impacted positively to many lives since his inception of office, admonishing the entire Izhi people to always embrace peace and unity among members and others.Lending his voice, the National president of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, who also doubles as the Special Assistant to Ebonyi state governor on Internal Security Ebonyi North Zone, Comrade Ben Nwovu, while interacting with newsmen at the traditional prime minister’s palace Amegu community in Abakaliki Local Government Area, thanked […]
Naval Officer Sacks Step Mother in Ebonyi…Destroys Victim’s House
From Aloh Ann, Abakaliki A middle age man suspected to be a navy personnel and indigene of Egbani Mgbom Village, Mr Ogonnaya Okorie Anoh allegedly demolished a bungalow building belonging to his step mother, Mrs Nnennaya Okorie Anoh on Sunday morning 23rd August 2020 at Mgbom Ugwulangwu Community, Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State.It was learnt that the action taken by Mr Ogonnaya and some of his siblings was premised by their decision against their father’s (before his demise) plan to have a polygamous home.The victim and mother of seven children while narrating her ordeal disclosed that her relationship with Late Okorie Anoh who happened to be her former elementary 4 teacher started in the year 2004 when the man impregnated her outside wedlock during the school days.After her parents and other relatives had noticed what happened and wanted […]
Ojiji 2020: Izzi Stakeholders Preach Unity,Peace
By Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy, Abakaliki Ojiji as it is popularly called by Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi Clan is a very symbolic celebration in the land, otherwise known as new yam festival. Izzi clan is made up of three local government areas including Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi with great chunk also living in some parts of Benue and Cross River states and beyond. The feast this year, was held on September in line with the directions of the Ishiuke. It was also not observed in August as usual because this year is a traditional leap year. Izzi stakeholders who interacted with our reporter harped on the significances and ways to sustain the age-long culture and the likes practiced in their land considering how they contribute to peace and uniting the people with other related issues. EXCERPTS: Chief Godwin Ogbaga, Former […]
Ebonyi Lawmaker Disassociates Self From Alleged Fraud In Abakaliki Rice Mill
By Amauche Agbo, Abakaliki The member representing Abakaliki South Constituency, Deacon Joseph Umunu has disassociated himself from the alleged fraudulent activities leveled against him by the leadership of Abakaliki rice mill company led by Mr Linus Obeji The lawmaker was accused of carrying out fraud activities in some parts of the rice mill company and published in some sections of the media. While reacting on the development in Abakaliki, the lawmaker debunked the allegation, describing it as false, baseless and mischievous and urged the general public to discountenance it. The two term past Chairman of the mill noted that he never engaged himself in any fraud activities or whatsoever in the company, adding that he left the mill after he successful concluded his two tenures and faced his legislative business. He called on the leadership of the company […]
LG Chair Urges Nwifuru To Prioritize Health, Education, Rural Devpt
By Amauche Agbo, Abakaliki The Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Hon. Stephen Ebere Nwogba has urged Governor elect, Chief Francis Nwifuru to prioritize health, education, agriculture, rural roads and human capital development to better the lives of the people. Nwogba, in a chat with journalists at the council Headquarters, Nkaliki, expressed confidence that Nwifuru would deliver in his mandate as he is morally and physically fit coupled with his vast knowledge in leadership. While commending Governor Umahi for the legacy projects his administration attracted in the State and for believing in equity, justice and fairness, the Local Government chairman noted the incoming Governor would surpass Umahi and as such sustain those existing legacy projects in the State and called on Ebonyi people to throw their weight behind the incoming Governor for optimum performance. He called […]
May 29: No force’ll stop Ebonyi governor-lect, Nwifuru from being sworn in~Umahi
By Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy Governor, David Umahi of Ebonyi state on Saturday vowed that no force on earth would stop the All Progressives Congress, APC, governor-elect, Francis Nwifuru from being sworn in on 29th May 2023. Umahi made this known while addressing prominent leaders of the nation and stakeholders of Ebonyi State, during the burial of Michael Ekuma Nkama, father of the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Nkama. The burial of the deceased took place at Edda community, in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The Governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the various financial assistance granted to Ebonyi State which he said led to the construction of valuable projects in Edda community, wherein the minister, Ekuma Nkama Joseph hails from. He equally applauded President Buhari for the approval of his ministerial nominee, which […]
FARECOD Founder, Rev Nwibo Fetes With Widows, Church Evangelists
By Oketa P Monday, Abakaliki The founder of Family Reformation and Community Development Initiative, FARECOD, and a minister of the Nigeria Reformed Church,Rev. Ambassador Joseph Nwankpuma Nwibo has empowered widows and some evangelists of the church. Ambassador Nwibo while declaring the event open, on Saturday, 6th May, 2023 at the Nigerian Reformed Church Headquarters, Abakaliki charged beneficiaries to remain worthy Ambassadors of Jesus Christ at their respective churches. The over 400 beneficiaries drawn from various churches were gifted with wrappers and other largesse were from Izzi, Ebonyi, Abakaliki and Ikwo Council Areas. In his remarks, Ambassador Nwibo explained that the foundation was established in the year 2003 through his initiative as one of the orphans who struggled to pass through education and to the glory of God, he’s now a student of Doctorate degree. He further explained that […]
Gov. Umahi Commiserates With Aide, Felix Otta Over Mother’s Death
By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and senator elect of Ebonyi South zone has commiserated with his special assistant on ring road project, Engr Felix Anayo Otta and his family over the death of his mother Mrs Mary Nwophoke Otta. Gov. Umahi sent his commiseration message to the deceased family during the burial of the late matriarch at her Country home, Olua Enyigba in Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Umahi represented at the burial by the State Commissioner for solid mineral Chief Chris Uchaji urged Otta and his family to be consoled in the loving memories of his dear mother whose life and times were remarkable, especially her commitment to the good up bringing of her children, praying God to give him and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. The […]
Ebonyi Intl Airport Will Boost Security, Economic Development, Others — Umahi
By Amauche Agbo, Abakaliki Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has said Mohammed Buhari International Airport in the State would enhance adequate security, economic development and as well ease means of transportation especially their agricultural produce. Umahi stated this at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi state shortly after arriving the state from Abuja on his one week official tour in the Country. He noted that the airport would help them to do direct import and export both within and outside the Country. The Governor who disclosed that he decided to step-down his senate Presidency ambition for Senator Godswill Akpabio, added that he did so in the overall interest of the country. He expressed optimism that the President-elect, Ahmed Bola Tinubu would reward Southeast zone with other tangible positions for sacrificing the Senate Presidency seat, expressed hope […]
Ebonyi Govt To Implement 65 Yrs Retirement Age For Teachers
By Amauche Agbo, Abakaliki Ebonyi State government under the watch of Governor David Umahi has expressed its readiness to implement retirement age of 65 years and length of service to forty years to teachers in the State in line with harmonized retirement age for teachers in Nigeria. The State Commissioner for information and orientation Barr. Orji Uchenna announced this while briefing newsmen after executive council meeting in Abakaliki, the State capital. According to orji, a circular on the implementation of the harmonized retirement age and length of service in the teaching profession in Nigeria was read in Exco by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Zyjl Nwangele. Exco noted the content of the circular and the fact that Education is in the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Exco approved that the […]
EBSU Embarks On Indefinite Strike
…Demands Improvement Of Workers Welfare, Others By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Ebonyi State University, EBSU has shutdown its activities indefinitely following the denial of 2-months workers salary and other beneficial welfare packages. The state owned University’s staff barricades the school gate with tag inscription ” EBSU On Strike” on Thursday, 11th May, 2023. According to the Joint Action Committees of Trade Union, JACTU, the decision was taken to press home the demand for improvement of workers welfare. Speaking with the Ebonyi State chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian University, SSANU, Comrade Elias Odigbo, called on the state government to implement their promotion exercise with financial effect, hence, pay them their salaries and arrears. He said: “We are gathered here to express our grievances that the university is not fair to us. The people that were promoted was given only […]
Organ Harvesting Plot:Ekweremadu, Wife, Doctor Jailed
A judge at The Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, has sentenced former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and Doctor Obinna Obeta to jail. At a sentencing hearing on Friday, Ekweremadu was jailed for nine years and eight months, his wife Beatrice was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment while Obeta received a 10-year prison term. The sentencing follows their conviction in March for organ trafficking. The Ekweremadus’ sick daughter, Sonia, was cleared of any wrongdoing. The three were found guilty after arranging or facilitating a young Nigerian man’s travel into the United Kingdom in a bid to obtain his kidney on behalf of Sonia. The jury said Ekweremadu, his wife and their doctor criminally conspired to bring the 21-year-old Lagos street trader to London to exploit him for his […]
10th Senate: Nwebonyi Canvasses Support For Akpabio’s Presidency
From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Ebonyi North Senator Elect, Barr Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi has advocated for the support of the former Akwaibom State Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio as the president of the 10th house of Senate. Nwebonyi in a statement issued by the media aide, Amb. Valentine Nwori, noted that the choice of Senator Akpabio against his counterpart, governor of Ebonyi state became necessary due to the standing rules of the Senate in its formation and election of her leader. According to him, the former Commissioner made this known to newsmen at the PorthHarcout Airport during the 2-day working visit of Nigeria president elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Rivers State. According to him, “During the visit, Chief Barr. Nwebonyi granted an interview, wherein, he enjoined his colleagues, Senators-elect across the country and particularly those from Southeast geopolitical zone to […]