Speaking to party supporters at the presidential campaign rally in the state held at Michael Okpara Square on Wednesday, Tinubu said not only was the state blessed with mineral resources, it had a friendly climate good for national prosperity.

“Nothing will stop us if we are determined to make this state a regional hub of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector,” he said.

Tinubu praised the people of the state for also being very talented and showcasing this wherever they found themselves.

He said: “Enugu is a richly endowed state with some of the most talented and able people you can find anywhere. You have an enlightened and progressive outlook. You are creative and inventive. You are not content with tomorrow being the same as yesterday.

“Incredible mineral resources lay at your very feet. These resources can fuel economic growth and recovery. Enugu has the largest deposits of coal nationwide. We cannot be afraid to put these deposits to use to fuel industries and light homes.

“The climate is sweet here.  The soil is fertile. The state has the potential to be an agrarian powerhouse, producing and exporting an array of cash crops. This will increase our foreign reserves while raising the standard of living with better paying jobs.

“Let us not forget the progress that is the trademark of Enugu regarding the production, assembly and manufacturing of machinery. There is so much potential here. You are a beacon of hope, a lantern shining the way to a greater and better society.”

While urging Nigerians yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so, saying that was the card that could liberate them and give them renewed hope, Tinubu spoke on his plan for Enugu State if elected president.

He said he would make the state an international export hub, while also making the state which houses one of the oldest football clubs in the country – Enugu Rangers – a tourism destination.

“I dream of an Enugu State where agriculture is flourishing, and national and international exportation is the norm. I envision a state where manufacturing and production are booming. Where domestic and international automobile, heavy machinery and other companies set up assembly plants.

“In this visionary state, tourism will be a major source of income. People will travel far and wide to watch their favourite teams play at the Nnamdi International Azikiwe Stadium, to enjoy a game of golf at the Enugu Golf Club and to visit the National Museum of Unity.

“I dream of an Enugu State where the intelligent, talented and hardworking citizens standing before me today have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, lucrative jobs and real opportunities.

“My industrial master plan encourages domestic manufacturers and producers. My administration will create the right business environment through lower import tariffs on the semi-manufactured inputs needed to increase manufacturing here. We will provide tax credits and reduce interest rate loans for businesses. Youth employment will be increased through employer credits and on-the-job training,” he added.

Just like he said wherever he had visited, the APC candidate vowed to secure the nation and make it possible to go about their daily activities without any fear.

“I am determined to solve insecurity at the state, regional and national levels. Citizens will no longer fear bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. I will increase our security forces, upgrade tactical communications and transportation, improve our surveillance and protection of critical places and facilities like marketplaces and roads. Those who seek to do harm will be tracked down and will know no rest until they change their violent ways,” he added.

On the agitation for more control of resources and police by states, he added, “States need more authority and resources to spur grassroots democracy and development.

“States must have more of a say regarding law enforcement. State police and other measures will be explored,” he said.

Imo State Governor and South-East Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Campaign, Senator Hope Uzodimma, urged Ndigbo to rethink their politics, saying the time had come to frontally confront the challenges of the South-East.

He said the people of the region needed a courageous leader who could take bold decisions and guarantee fairness and justice, adding that Asíwájú Tinubu is such a leader.

“We cannot follow a vehicle that has no tyre. Even when you push it, it’s going nowhere,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi who is also the Coordinator, South for the campaign, said Ndigbo must stand with the man who could win, stating that the people of the zone “should be obedient to APC and Jagaban and no one else.”

The rally was attended by the APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, who stood in for the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole and APC National Woman Leader Beta Edu, party chieftains Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Gbazuagu Nweze Gbazuagu among others.

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Tinubu said this while speaking at the APC presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Thursday.

The APC candidate commended Ebonyi State governor,  Dave Umahi, for his excellent performance in lifting the state.

“I commend Governor Umahi for lifting up Ebonyi and for his developmental projects, some of which I commissioned yesterday (Wednesday) and his transformational and impactful leadership,” Tinubu said.

“He has laid a solid foundation for Ebonyi. He remains a good testament to what is possible in Nigeria.”

Speaking on his plans for the Igbo as president, Tinubu said there would be no discrimination against them, same way he encouraged them while he was Lagos Governor.

“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president.

“If elected, there will be no discrimination, Igbo’s interests will be respected and protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support South East states to reach their full potential.

“I will engage the leaders of the South East in a heart-to-heart discussion on all issues agitating their minds.

“If elected, I will address all issues and policies that tend to hinder their commerce and enterprise. I will work with businessmen and women and encourage them to make the South East the Taiwan of Africa,” Tinubu said.

Speaking specifically on his plans for Ebonyi State, Tinubu said, “Working with the state government, I will mechanise the Ebonyi solid minerals sector and install processing plant.

“We will expand Ebonyi agricultural sector and make it one of the largest rice producing states in Africa.”

Present at the rally held at Abakaliki Township Stadium were APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima; Deputy National Chairman, South, Barrister Emma Enekwu, representing the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Host-Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Also present were Governors Hope Uzodinnma (Imo); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa); Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross Rivers) as well as members of the party’s National Working Committee and National Assembly members.

Governor Umahi said Asíwájú Tinubu believes in merit and competence and had demonstrated this in his past record of service particularly when he was governor of Lagos.

“Asíwájú knows the road, we must follow him. He has shown that he loves and trusts Igbo and our people.

“He has been here since yesterday. He slept here in Abakaliki and ate our food. Only a man who loves you eats your food,” he said.

For Governor Uzodinnma, there is no more lamentation for the Igbo because they are following the right man to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Earlier on Wednesday on arrival in Abakaliki, the APC presidential candidate inaugurated some projects put in place by Governor Umahi, including Camp David Estate and Bishop Nnaji Okoro Dualised Road.

And inside the Exco Chambers in Abakaliki where major traditional rulers in the state had gathered, Asíwájú Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of Dike Di  Orama 1 of Ebonyi, meaning the warrior the people like, by the royal fathers.

Asíwájú and his entourage, which included former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, and Chairman of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, were later treated to a Gala night where various cultural groups entertained.

Both Governors Bagudu and Badaru who also addressed the rally heaped praises on Asíwájú.

The Kebbi Governor described him as a kind-hearted and brilliant leader who would treat all parts of Nigeria equally.

Jigawa State Governor Badaru who called Asíwájú a father figure described him a natural leader who gave him a political platform that brought him into limelight for the governorship of the state even when he did not know him in person.

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The President has 36 Governors to relate with, and possibly contend with. Political party would not matter, as he is the father of all. And good fathers, they say, should not like a child more than the other. Even if they do, they should not show it, for the sake of domestic concord and amity.

But I can wager that this President loves Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State. Why and how? We will come to that later.

Touch the lives of the people. Utilize their money and resources to improve their lot, and Buhari would love you. That is why he loves Umahi.

Landing at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in the Presidential jet Nigerian Air Force 001, we continued the trip to Ebonyi in helicopters. And we entered the State through Osborn La Palm Event Centre, Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area, where the Governor hails from. The man has made sure that development reached his own very community, and copiously too.

From there, we proceeded to the King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, built by the State Government. I had last December written on the state of the art university, with ultra-modern facilities. You wonder how a state like Ebonyi, not earning derivation from oil money, could put up such a showpiece. It is one of the wonders of David Umahi in Ebonyi.

Very significant to me was something that happened as our convoy snaked its way towards the university. About five boys, most likely between ages 3 and 5, stood by the roadside, and were waving at us cheerily. Two of them didn’t wear knickers, and you could see their tiny ‘things’ peeping from in between their thighs. They didn’t care a hoot if anybody was looking at them. They were happy to see the motorcade, and nothing else mattered in the whole world. They kept waving delightfully till we went out of their sight.

Childhood. Innocence. No bile, no guile, no malice. Those boys obviously knew nothing called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Nor do they know the Eastern Security Network (ESN). They were just creations of God with pure souls, no murderous inclinations, no corroding thoughts of marginalization, real or imagined.

Oh, that mankind could return to the original way in which we were created. What Heaven this earth would be. Make me like a child again. Make me gentle and trusting. Let little children come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of God. The world as God made it is one thing, and the world as man mars it is another thing. May those boys maintain the kind of heart they displayed, for life. Amen.

In that neighborhood, President Buhari commissioned twin flyover bridges, 12 kilometers dualized Federal road from Mbu, Enugu State to Uburu, Ebonyi State. And then the eye-popping university building, facilities and equipment.

Also inaugurated that day were the International Airport at Onueke, including the Airport lounge and five kilometers dualized road. Others were a new Governor’s Lodge, office complex for the Governor’s wife, Margaret Umahi International Market Complex, the wondrous Light Tunnel Flyover, and Ebonyi Shopping Mall, which compares with any other you see in other developed countries of the world.

So delighted was President Buhari with all he saw, that he declared: “It has always been a pleasure coming to Ebonyi State. The last time I came was in 2017 in the 2nd quarter of the first tenure of Governor Umahi’s administration. I witnessed the commencement of mind blowing projects. I saw in Governor Umahi a strong desire to change the narrative of the State, and meet the aspirations of the founding fathers.”

The President, at a State Banquet that night recalled that he was given two traditional titles in 2017. The Enyioha 1 of Ebonyi State, and Ochioha 1 of South East.

On day two of the visit, President Buhari commissioned another befitting edifice, the new Executive Council Chambers, where he also held a meeting with illustrious leaders of the South East.

Now, to the crux of the matter. Why does the President love this Governor, so much so that he has paid two State Visits, and passed the night at both times?

Governor Umahi loves and serves his people, and that is evidenced in how he has changed the face and landscape of the State. Old, rustic Abakaliki has suddenly become like any other modern city of the world. President Buhari loves infrastructural development, as seen in roads, rail, bridges, airports, and many others round the country. He sees Umahi doing the same thing, and he just loves it. At the time Umahi was still in the opposition People’s Democratic Party, it didn’t stop the President loving him.

Umahi is forthright. No beating about the bush. At a time he saw that it was more in the interest of his people and State to be in the party at the center, he joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Said the President: “I am honored that in the life of my administration, Ebonyi State Government and her people made the right choice to join our progressive party, APC. I commend the Governor for the courage to join the party at the center, and for all his contributions in moving our nation forward.”

For the courage he displays, the President loves Umahi.

Another reason. For touching the lives of the people through his projects and policies. Hear the President again:

“You have done your people proud. I am particularly amazed by the economic development records of the State under your administration, the wonderful network of roads, critical infrastructure and investment opportunities in the State. ..I commend the State for emerging as the second overall best in fiscal performance in Nigeria and for soaring high in fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.”

Touch the lives of the people. Utilize their money and resources to improve their lot, and Buhari would love you. That is why he loves Umahi.

Umahi got nearly everything he requested for. He asked the Federal Government to take over the University of Medical Sciences, the President acceded. He asked for assistance to buy Airport equipment, the President promised to look into it. He named a number of projects after a normally self-effacing President Buhari, whom I’ve seen turn down such requests, but the President said yes to Umahi. Greater love hath no man than this…

Oh, that mankind could return to the original way in which we were created. What Heaven this earth would be. Make me like a child again.

At the meeting with leaders of the South East, two requests resonated. The release of leader of the outlawed IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and the ceding of power to the region, so that there could be a President of South East extraction in 2023.

On the first request, the President maintained a position he had always upheld. The case was before the courts, and the onus was on the judiciary to adjudicate. The second request was purely political, and rested with the political parties, who would decide where their candidates for President came from.

Serve the people selflessly. Touch their lives. Achieve results. Be accountable, transparent, make the best use of resources at your disposal. Be frank, sincere, truthful, having the courage of your conviction. And President Buhari would love you. That’s how it is with Governor Umahi.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

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The president commenced his two-day visit to the state with the commissioning of projects at the state-owned King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu,  including a twin flyover, 12-kilometre dualised Federal Road, from Mbu, Enugu State to Uburu, the University Building and the University Medical Hospital, Facilities and Equipment.

At his first stop in the state for the inauguration of the 700-metre length twin-flyover (also called King David’s University flyover), constructed at the cost of N2 billion by the state government, President Buhari said:

”I am not an Engineer by discipline but my eyes are very clear, even through my eye-glasses. I am impressed with this performance and I know the projects will last. I congratulate the Governor on this feat and I am pleased to be associated with it.”

While in Uburu, Ohaozara local government area of the state, the president also inaugurated the Cancer Centre at the King David University of Medical Sciences, built and equipped by the federal government under TETFUND.

Governor Umahi, who thanked the president for graciously approving the funding of the centre, said the facility could rank with other centres around the world.

”It is in the same standard as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the state government also contributed to the project to bring it to completion,” he told the president.

At the commissioning of the hospital section of the university, the Ebonyi State governor thanked the president for acceding to the request of the state government on the federal government to take over the running of the teaching hospital.

”This hospital is beyond the scope of any state government to run and we have been celebrating your approval of our request and are very proud that you are here to commission it yourself.

”You have left a lot of indelible marks in the development of this centre of excellence and it will never be forgotten,” he said.

At the inauguration of the Presidential Lodge at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, the governor announced that the tarmac and runway of the airport, built with concrete, had attained over 70 per cent completion, and would be ready by the end of next month.

The president also inaugurated the five kilometres dualised airport road in Onueke, built by the state government as well as the reconstructed St Margaret Umahi International Market complex, a 750-metre length twin-flyover near the market, and the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Lodge, all in Abakiliki.

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Governor Dave Umahi, an accomplished engineer, conceived an ultra-modern state-of-the-art medical university for his state. He turned his idea into action, his dream to reality, and out came spectacular and breathtaking King David University of Medical Sciences, a modern City of David.

King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, is good thinking, good product. And if you ask me, that is what all our helmsmen in States should do.

There are some Governors whom my principal, President Muhammadu Buhari loves, irrespective of political parties. Long ago, ever before he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engineer Dave Umahi had always been a special one. Even as a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governor, President Buhari had visited Ebonyi in 2017, and stayed the night, something not very common. It was simply because he saw a man making a mark in his domain, and party differences do not matter at that point. Not at all.

King David University of Medical Sciences is envisioned to develop specialized manpower in all aspects of medicine. It is programmed to provide manpower needs to address the challenge of Human Resources for health in line with new global realities and trends.

If you can dream it, and apply yourself to it, then you can achieve it. By July this year, the National Universities Commission had approved the academic citadel Umahi dreamt of.

We have always demanded for world class medical institutions in the country, so that Nigerians do not spend so much on medical tourism. Well, here comes one. In the King David University, there’s a 500-bed teaching hospital, which would compete with the very best in advanced countries of the world. Already, medical equipment are being installed, and best brains being assembled from within and outside the country, to run the facility.

The hospital, according to Prof Jessy Uneke, Vice Chancellor of the university, will produce dialyzers, a special consumable for kidney dialysis, from mid 2022, and also have an oxygen production plant, for medical and other uses.

The university is already being touted as the most beautiful campus in Africa (though we that attended University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, will not readily agree with that). It’s core values are; Excellence, Godliness, Ethics, Compassion, Respect, Delivery, Collaboration, Innovation, Accountability, Learning, Improvement, and Sustainability.

What of the Centers being paraded by the university? They include; Maternity and Child Care, Cancer treatment/Oncology, Eye Centre, Dialysis Centre, Laboratory Unit, Radiology, Oxygen Production Plant, Virology and Quarantine Unit, Dental, Pharmacy, among others.

King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, is good thinking, good product. And if you ask me, that is what all our helmsmen in States should do. They should leave their footprints on the sands of time, so that if they aspire for higher offices, the showpiece they have made of their States would stand them in good stead, serve as reference points.

Talking of the hospital, Gov Umahi said: “We are happy that we have opportunity to change the narrative in this direction, and we are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the financial support in building the Cancer and Isolation Centers.

We have always demanded for world class medical institutions in the country, so that Nigerians do not spend so much on medical tourism. Well, here comes one.

“It is my prayer that this institution will close the gap that is causing our people to embark on foreign medical trips/ studies as it is designed to solve medical challenges that take our people outside the country.”

The Governor thanks President Buhari for his support. That is the man from Daura for you. Anything that will bring positive changes to bear on the lives of the people, he would support. Recall the humongous refund he approved for Federal roads in a state where the Governor is always abusing him. Malice towards nobody, it’s about our country. That is President Buhari for you.

Where there is no vision, the people perish, says the Good Book, Governor Umahi has the vision of a world class medical university. And he has translated it to action. May we have many more visioners like that in this country.

“There is a River, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.” (Psalm 46:4). King David University is like that River. It makes us glad. Thank you Governor Umahi. You have ended 2021 on a high, through this project.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

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Amaechi made the appeal on Wednesday in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen after a closed door meeting with Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi.

The elder statesman said that he was in the state to brief the governor as the chairman of the South East Governors Forum on his efforts to stop the incessant violence in the zone especially by youths.

“I led a delegation of Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari on the growing trend of violence in the country especially in the southeast zone.

“He was happy with the visit and we are expecting positive results because peace and reconciliation cannot be achieved with violence,” he said.

The First Republic Minister regretted the reported killing of policemen and civilians in Ebonyi and other parts of the country and called for an end to such carnages.

“I plead with all agitating groups both known and unknown to give peace a chance for full restoration of security to the zone and the entire country.

“I am the only surviving minister of the first republic and plead that my age should be respected.

“I should be assisted to make peace in the zone and country before I join my maker.

“Youths are presently witnessing a period when the naira has no value, passengers disembark from their vehicles to cross security check points among other issues,” he said.

Amaechi recalled the events of the 1979 and 1999 general elections in the country and noted that Igbos missed the opportunities of clinching the presidential positions on both occasions.

“I believe the Igbos have qualified and respected individuals who can clinch and acquaint themselves creditably as the country’s president.

“I advise aspirants for the position from the zone to work towards ensuring that their respective political parties nominate an Igbo man for the position.

“When Igbos emerge as the candidates of the respective parties, we would support whoever wins,” the nonagenarian said.

Source: NAN

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The yet to be identified vehicle plunged into the abandoned mining pit on Saturday but efforts to rescue the passengers failed due to poor visibility as the incident happened in the evening.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent who was at the scene of the rescue operation on Sunday at Enyigba in Abakaliki, reports that efforts by the crane provided by the state government failed as the pit was water-logged.

The state governor, Chief Dave Umahi, who visited the scene of the incident, was seen supervising the rescue operations and dishing out instructions on how to save the unverified passengers trapped in the pit.

The governor was accompanied to the scene by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aliyu Garba, heads of other security agencies and top government officials.

Scores of people watched the rescue efforts and shouted whenever the crane tried retrieving it aground.

The onlookers were, however, disappointed as the vehicle went off the crane’s hook whenever the equipment tried retrieving it from the flooded pit.

DSP Loveth Odah, the Police command’s Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi said the rescue efforts would continue on Monday.

“All efforts made to retrieve the vehicle failed as it remains unidentified with the passengers inside it.

“We are still hoping for the best and urge the people to remain calm,” she said.

Chief Stephen Orogwu, chairman of neigbouring Ikwo local government area of the state described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the marshy terrain of the area made rescue efforts difficult.

“The pit is several feet beneath the ground as local, external and construction experts have been contracted to retrieve the vehicle,” he said.

An eye witness who spoke under the condition of anonymity said that he was driving behind the vehicle when it suddenly veered from the road and plunged into the pit.

Source: NAN

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Umahi issued the warning in a state-wide broadcast on Saturday in Abakaliki to mark the sixth anniversary of his administration.

He was reacting to the order by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, to the people of South-East zone.

He directed that all markets in the state should open for business on Monday.

The governor said: “There should be free movement of people in the state on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and other days of the year.

“People should go to church on Sunday to pray for the nation’s fallen security agents, civilians and peace and unity of the state and country.

“I challenge the youths, local government area chairmen, security agents, Ebebeagu security outfit, among others, to ensure that no one is molested in the state.

“Anyone who has nothing to protect himself should do so with cutlass, which should be for protection and not for attack.”

He said that all forms of procession had been banned in the state except those by youths organised by council chairmen.

“I have been notified about such processions and they are being used to profile our people for empowerment.

“I charge the Ebubeagu security outfit, which is backed by the state laws, to ensure that the people are protected,” Umahi said.

He said the state could not go into “second slavery under any guise”, pointing out that “the secession the people need is massive economic development.”

“There will be movement in other parts of the country, if there is none in the South-East so people should therefore ignore such order.

“Ebonyi people are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for all his assistance and if people do not see his goodness, he has been good to us,” he said.

He urged parents and relevant stakeholders to advise youths to toe the path of peaceful co-existence and not depend on the illusionary influences of hard drugs and fetish powers.

In a related development, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, also advised residents to disregard the IPOB order.

Aliyu gave the advice in a statement issued in Enugu by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday.

According to Ndukwe, the commissioner appealled to residents to discountenance the order and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation.

“We are reassuring everybody about the command’s commitment to collaborate with other security agencies to sustain adequate public security and safety in the state, in line with the mandate of “Operation Restore Peace.”

“The command warns anybody or group harbouring any sinister intentions to disrupt the relative peace and security enjoyed in the state to desist forthwith, as such attempt will be resisted.

“The command entreats parents, guardians as well as religious, traditional and town union leaders to caution their subjects against allowing themselves to be incited by mischief-makers to foment trouble,’’ Ndukwe stated.

The statement further urged residents to “remain law-abiding and vigilant as they go about their legitimate businesses.”

It appealed to the people to report criminal elements and persons found fomenting trouble to the nearest police station.

It implored the people to alternatively call the following emergency command’s hotlines: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 or 08098880172.

IPOB had issued a sit-at-home order in the South-East on May 31 to commemorate the death of many people during the civil war that ended about 51 years ago.

Source: NAN

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Engineer Dave Umahi again! Yes, the Governor of Ebonyi State pulls no punches whenever he decides to speak. No tongue-in-cheek, he just fires from all cylinders.

That was what he did when he was special guest at the State House Press Briefing in Abuja last week. There were many issues of concern in his part of the country, and the Governor did not shy away from any.

In recent times, police stations, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other Federal assets have come under attack in the South East. They have been incinerated, and scores of policemen killed. Whodunnit? Leaders of the region have opted for ‘unknown gunmen,’ perhaps out of fear of being objects of attack themselves. But Umahi was deadpan:

“We are the ones killing ourselves, not foreigners. We have to tell ourselves the truth, if we want the problem solved.”

The Governor laments that 99% of security agents killed so far in the region “are from the South East. They are our brothers and sisters. It is not good for us. We shed tears. Our people should be wise, and deploy wisdom at this critical time.”

The Governor said he may not agree with the formation of the militant wing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as ESN (Eastern Security Network), “but we know why it was formed.”

He said it was a direct reaction to the invasion of the region by both local and foreign herdsmen, who attack farmers particularly, destroy their crops, rape their wives, and kill people.

“We don’t want herders killed, but neither should they violate our cultural values. That was why we formed Ebube Agu, which is a kind of regional security group. It has been signed into law to protect our people. If you cause problems in any part of the South East, Ebube Agu will deal with you, no matter who you are.”

Ask Umahi what the South East really wants. A country of their own, as is being championed from some quarters? He demurs:

“We are Nigerians. We want to belong to a fair, just, equitable Nigeria. We want a country of fairness, equity, justice, and freedom. I want a Biafra of equity and justice, not one of killing policemen and burning of INEC offices. There’s no region that does not have issues in the country, but grievances should be looked at through dialogue, and not by taking the laws into your hands. Killing is not the character and culture of our people. It is sheer criminality.”

The Governor laments that 99% of security agents killed so far in the region “are from the South East. They are our brothers and sisters. It is not good for us. We shed tears. Our people should be wise, and deploy wisdom at this critical time.”

He said the agitators should give leadership of the region their demands, “and we will address them within six months. But we are not with them in insulting the President of the country. It is foolishness.”

One way to combat poverty, insecurity and restiveness is through development. Gov Umahi spoke on giant strides in Ebonyi, a State he said he met in massive poverty, but which he is trying strenuously to turn around.

“We inherited poverty, and have demolished it, though there are still some traces. Even Jesus says the poor will always be around. But we do our best, and wish we can do more.”

Talking further on development as means of combating poverty, Gov Umahi spoke of keeping the people gainfully busy through agriculture, industry, rice mills, cassava flour processing, ultramodern shopping malls with over 50,000 stalls, road networks, a medical university being constructed, colleges of nursing, of technology, and human development generally.

“About 95% of our projects are done through direct labour. This ensures that there’s no capital flight from the State.

“We are doing everything to increase value for education. When you are educated, you won’t carry guns at the instigation of juju men, who promise invincibility. It doesn’t happen. You can’t be brainwashed into believing in a shrine that gets destroyed, and the shrine can’t respond.”

Gov Umahi loves President Buhari, and had always done so before he moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC). And the President returns the gesture duly. I recall that it was Ebonyi that the President first visited in his first term, and stayed the night. He was even invested with two chieftaincy titles by the royal fathers.

“President Buhari is doing a lot for the country,“ Gov Umahi says. “He started early on agriculture, otherwise, there would have been severe hunger in the country today. Lots of opportunities have been provided by the Federal Government, but our people don’t want to work again. Government has come with great empowerment opportunities, and they need to embrace and utilize these things.”

“We can do with more patriotism in Nigeria. Fake news is a big problem fueling insecurity. We need patriotism to fight both insecurity and poverty.”

Now, to perhaps the biggest issue in the country. Presidency in 2023. Which region should get it? Was that the reason Umahi decamped to the APC? And would he stay, if he didn’t get the party’s ticket? The man is as frank as ever:

“I’m in APC, but it’s not conditional. It is not predicated on the party zoning its presidential ticket to the South East. If we are talking of justice, it is the turn of the South East. No good person from the region will preach seceding. We’re better off in South East under a fair Federal Government. We used to be houseboys and house girls before Ebonyi State was created. But not anymore. All we are asking for is a fair Nigeria. But I’m not in APC just because of presidential ticket.”

A parting shot from the Governor?

“We can do with more patriotism in Nigeria. Fake news is a big problem fueling insecurity. We need patriotism to fight both insecurity and poverty.”

Very well said.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

The post Dave Umahi’s thesis, By Femi Adesina appeared first on Frontpageng.

The chairman of the forum, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of their security meeting with opinion leaders in the zone in Enugu.

The governor said that the forum had set up a committee to work out acceptable modalities for the workability of state policing and would submit the same to the National Economic Council, NEC.

“The meeting is in support of restructuring, the setting up of State Police and other national issues as discussed at the last NEC meeting.

“A committee has been set up to work out acceptable modalities and submit the same to NEC in its next meeting,” he said.

He said that the meeting reiterated its support for the adoption of a common joint security outfit code-named ‘Ebube Agu’ with its regional headquarters  in Enugu.

According to him, the regional outfit will work with police and other security agencies in its operations to protect lives and property in the South East.

“We agreed on the structure and operational modalities of Ebube Agu and also set up an advisory board for the security outfit,” he said.

Umahi said that the Attorney Generals and Commissioners for Justice of the states in the zone had been directed to amend existing state laws to give legal backing to the joint security outfit.

He said that the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, had been directed to form two committees that would ensure peaceful coexistence in the South-East.

The governor named the two committees to include Peace and Reconciliation Committee and Strategy and Welfare Committee.

“We condemn the recent attack on the home country of Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo and other state infrastructure.

“The governors and leaders sympathised with the governor and called on the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators and ensure their prosecution,” he said.

Umahi restated the ban of open grazing in the region and urged the security agencies and vigilance groups to enforce the ban in all the states.

He said that the meeting resolved to implement the various youth empowerment programmes occasioned by the #ENDSARS protest in the region.

The meeting was attended by leadership of traditional rulers, Ohaneze Ndigbo, South-East Joint Security Committee and members of the clergy in the zone.

Source: NAN

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