…State Govt. Spits fire

Female students of Special School for the Blind, Opefia in Izzi local government area are reportedly been molested by some people from the villager.

This report got to the state government which prompted the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinyere Udoku to visit the school.

During her visit, Mrs. Udoku assured the students that the state government will provide them with a conducive environment.

It was gathered that the female students of the school were being sexually molested by some people in the area who often times invade the school through various entrances because of lack of perimeter fencing.

The SA charged the students not to panic as the state government would look into their plights.

She also condemned the action of the villagers against the female students, stating: “I visited you people because of the reports I am getting about our female students here. You don’t need to panic because the state government under the leadership of our dear Governor Engr. David Umahi will look into your plights.

“Some of you will be President, Governors, Doctors, Engineers and so many other things. All you need to do is to remain focused in your studies despite any challenge you may be facing”.

In his remarks, the Senior Prefect of the school, Anigor Chirstian called on the state government to urgently fence the school premises to save the students from further molestation.

“The challenges we face in this school are numerous. We don’t have perimeter fencing; we are facing the challenge of fencing. Sometimes, the villagers will just troop in here requesting one thing or the other and molesting our female students”, he said.

Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, the immediate past chairman of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS)Ebonyi State, has been elected and sworn-in as the Vice President of Southeast zonal chapter of the association.

The event which took place at Salt Spring Resort Mile 50 Abakaliki, kicked off with the accreditation of delegates from the five Southeastern states comprising of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

However, the election saw the emergence and inauguration of all the nominees as they contested unopposed.

The National Secretary of the association, Mazi Enyinnaya Harbor, while inaugurating the new executive charged them to represent the Southeast zone effectively by protecting the interest of their members in the zone.

He further thanked the delegates for a peaceful and fair election and swearing-in ceremony, stating; “I thank you all for the maturity you have shown in this exercise, it shows that we have come of age”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Barr. Mrs Enemor Nonye, thanked the delegates for finding her and the other newly elected exco worthy of piloting the affairs of the association in the zone.

She stated that the association under her leadership will train teachers and proprietors and create programs that will help to impact morals and uplift educational sector in the Southeast zone.

Chief Onyeoma Kelechi, who expressed his happiness over the outcome of the election, promised to assist the National Vice President of the zone to achieve the aims and objectives of the Association in the zone and at the National level.

He further disclosed that as the first ever Vice President of the association from Ebonyi State, he is going to use his position to promote education in the State. “I want to thank those who came from various states, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra and our own Ebonyi. I promise we will not disappoint them.

“I shall work with the National Vice President to achieve the aims and objectives of this association. I will also use my position to promote education in Ebonyi State”.

He maintained that it was because of the current infrastructure and good road network in the state that the association deemed it fit to change the venue of the ceremony from Abia State to Ebonyi State.

He thanked the state Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi for his developmental strides which has given Ebonyians a voice in the Southeast zone and beyond.

The new exco as elected and inaugurated include, Barr. Mrs Enemor Nonye as National Vice President, Chief Onyeoma Kelechi as Zonal Vice President, Dr. Okwa Chiamaka as Financial Secretary, Prince Oformba Okeh as Mrs Ekweonu Felicia as Secretary, Prince Chukwuka Edwin PRO

Obi Osita Asst. Secretary, Mrs Ann Isaac as Welfare Coordinator, Secretary and Rev. Sunday Nwani as Auditor.

Ebonyi state government has given award to twenty three outstanding Civil Servants in the state.

The staff were rewarded over the weekend for their outstanding performances during a ceremony held at Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation.

In his speech, the commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Hon. Uchenna Orji, stated that the award was government’s new initiatives of reward system.

He charged the information officers and all stakeholders in information dissemination, to take advantage of the inspiration offered by the brand new vision and mission statement of the ministry, as well as the spirit of the reward initiative for civil servants, to project the good work of the Governor, Engr. David Umahi.

Adding that such should be done through regular publication of the projects and programmes embarked upon by the State and Local Governments.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the occassion and Special Assistant to the Governnor on SDG, Dr Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, enjoined information officers, Staff of the Ministry and Parastatals to step up their responsibilities in information dissemination mechanism.

Highlights of the ceremony include, award to the 23 outstanding Civil Servants, unveiling of the Vision and Mission Statement of the ministry as well as good will messages by the DG, EBBC, NUJ, NLC and the Nigeria institute of Public Relations.

…Says Operation Atilogwu not target at any group

Angela Nwaeze Mbaocha

The Nigerian Army has commenced operation Atilogwu Udo 1 exercise to rid the south east zone of criminals these festive periods.This was revealed on Thursday by the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, during a 2-dayCivil-Media-Military Relation summit, to flag off the operation Atilogwu Udo 1, exercise in the South East zone.

The summit which was held at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, saw the presence of traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the zone.

The theme of the submit was ‘Galvanising citizens’ support for military operations through the media.

General Buratai noted that the fresh military operation exercise, Atilogwu Udo 1 for South-East geo-political zone which has commenced, replaced the popular Operation Python Dance which was carried out for three years.

He said the exercise was not targeted at any group or individual in the region, rather it will bring peace to the zone mostly as the yuletide celebration approaches.

Stating that just as the name Atilogwu Udo means dance of peace, that the exercise will bring peace to the zone, but war for criminals terrorizing south east.

Recall that the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had recently claimed the exercise which replaced the Exercise Egwu Eke was targeted at its members.

Buratai pointed out that similar exercises would take place simultaneously in other regions to checkmate peculiar security issues in each region.

He was represented at the summit by the Chief of Training/Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General E. O. Udoh.

He added that the aim of the summit was to keep the public well informed about the activities of the Nigerian Army.

To also improve civilian-military relationship to ensure that the zone celebrates the festivities in peace, stressing that the exercise was to consolidate on previous exercises carried out in the region. Adding: “The exercise is strategically slated to be carried out during the yuletide season when there is upsurge in criminal activities.””

Ndigbo before the commencement of Exercise Egwu Eke a few years back dreaded coming home during the yuletide period because of rampant kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the region.

“The exercise was very useful because it allowed Ndigbo to come home during the festive period. Atilogwu Udo 1 will consolidate on previous exercises and ensure peaceful and hitchfree yuletide celebration this year.

“In his keynote address, Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by the SSG, Prof. Simon Otuanya, said the programme was timely as the zone is passing through security challenges.

He was optimistic that the objective of the Atilogwu Udo 1 exercise would be achieved.On his part, Col. RA Adegboye, General Commanding officer 82 Division, said the summit organized by Chief of Army Staff, was to provide platform for the stakeholders to share ideas that will led to the success of the exercise.

And to also provide enabling environment that will contend the security challenges and ensure that the troops dominate all nooks and crannies of the South East zone.

Also, Asso. Professor Ifeanyi Didiugwu, did justice to his lecture, entitled “The Military, Media, Peace and National Development: Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1 in Perspective”.

He said that the misunderstanding that happened during the Python Dance exercise would not be recorded during the Atilogwu Udo 1 exercise, because the military have brought together stakeholders in different fields to educate them on the modalities of the exercise and other sundry issues.

He said that the military is one of the institutions that has come to protect the peoples territory and integrity.

He recommended that apart from protecting lives and properties, that the military should also do more in providing social services to the people.

Adding that the education Corps of the Army should be strengthened to reach the civilian populace
And above all, that adequate fund should be made available for the military to carry out it’s social responsibilities.

On his part, Col. Sadiu Musa, Editor-in-Chief/Acting Director Army Public Relations, noted that the summit was to further create cordial relationship between the military and the media.

He reiterated that the Atilogwu Udo 1 exercise is not targeted at any individual or group, rather for the best interest of the public.

He appealed to the media for it’s support during the activities in order to achieve the desire of the Chief of Army staff, which is to rid the zone of bad elements.

Adding that the media should continue to extend it’s cooperation and support “and not allow yourselves to be used by criminals by given them unnecessary publications.” he noted

The Deputy Commander in charge of Operations, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi state command, has revealed that they have arrested about 200 drug traffickers between January and October 2019 in the state.

Mohammed Bashiri Ibrahim, on Monday, while fielding questions from journalists during a 2 day training workshop organized for members of neighborhood watch security outfit of Ebonyi state, also lamented increase infiltration of drugs in the state.

“From January to October we have arrested about 200 drug traffickers and the cases are going on in the court. I think this year alone we have secured about 35 convictions of drug offenders this year alone and we are still counting.

“On 22 of this month, that was last week, we arrested 189kw of cannabis. The same day we arrested over 200, pinches of cocaine and 150 heroins within the town just in a single day”.

“The state is growing, and development is coming to Ebonyi, the Governor is building structures and what do you expect, people are coming in to do business. People that work at sites want to take drugs, so people come to do marketing. Ebonyi is like emerging state so you expect drug infiltration into the state

“And look at the border points between Ebonyi and cross river and Cameron, some of them pass through the cross river while some remain in the state” he stated .

On his part, the State Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Stanley Okoro Emegha, pointed out that the training of Neighborhood Watch members is done quarterly to enable security personnel tutor them.

He noted that members of the Neighborhood Watch are civilians who were engaged by the state government to assist in the security of the state.

Adding that Gov. Umahi’s administration was doing its best to tackle the rising cases of drug abuse, while urging members of the vigilante outfit to always work with security agencies for the security of lives and property in the state.

His words; “So the training will help to prepare them for the troubles ahead. You know armed robbers can never stop. So far so good what you can see in Ebonyi state is generally pocket of crimes but we are doing all we can to bring it to the barest minimum.

“They need to have the knowledge, not only carrying arm they need to know the technical knowhow. And these people are more on ground than the security agencies, so they can easily get report and give to the security agencies”.

Ebonyi police command has confirmed the attack on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), of Kpirikpiri Police Division, CSP John John, on Sunday, following a clash between police and members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The clash as gathered happened on Sunday evening at Oguzoronweya Primary School, in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi state.

The IPOB members were said to be having their convention in the school when the police heard of it and invaded the area.

Clash ensued between the police and IPOB members and the DPO was hurled stones and other dangerous objects.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, noted that the IPOB members started attacking the security agents immediately they sighted them.

She added that John would have died but for the helmet he was wearing as well as the bulletproof vest.

“Members of Indigenous People of Biafra, assembled unlawfully and the information got to us, that was on October 27, 2019 at Oguzoronweya Primary School in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at 2.50 pm. On receiving the information, men of Operation Puff Adder of our command, in active collaboration of other security agencies, went to the place.

“We thought that IPOB members were just normal people that gathered together to have unlawful meeting even when they know they are not lawful in Nigeria. But yesterday was very different. As soon as police got to the area, to their greatest surprise, Mr. John John, the DPO of Kpirikpiri Division, was seriously attacked. If not because he was seriously kitted as a policeman having his helmet on and his bulletproof, he would have been killed. By now you would have just heard that a Chief Superintendent of Police is dead.

“Their lawyer, who was with the IPOB members, was arrested. I talked with him and I was surprised that he denied being their legal adviser. He said he was taking their briefs. I don’t know the difference between a legal adviser and somebody who takes a brief on organisation.

“Many of them ran away but we were able to arrest at least six of them; they are in custody. They are fully dressed in IPOB uniform.” She said.
However, the police as well arrested the legal practitioner, Mr. Orogwu Cyril Ndubuisi, and his fiancé.

…As Ebonyi Appointees get 68 Hyundai SUV

Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has made it clear that the review of workers salary is a must and will be done by his administration following the agitation for N30, 000 minimum wage by Labour.

Umahi stated this on Tuesday, during the distribution of 68 Hyundai SUV to some of his newly appointees, at government House Abakaliki.

Reiterating that the review of Ebonyi workers salary is a commitment, just like all the projects scattered in every part of the state.

“It is quite very tight, we are going into review of workers salary which is a must. It’s a commitment, all these projects scattered everywhere, commitment. Sometimes without the grace of God it’s difficult and allocation all over the country is dropping.

“I want to appeal to you let us reinvigorate ourselves and see how we can create wealth. I feel so much for our brothers and sisters in the rural areas, that’s why I urge you, once in a while drive into the remote areas with your security into remote village to meet people that never had any hope, talk to them.

” Giving them 5000 is quite a lot to them in that season, that is pure Christianity, not mounting crusade up and down. You have to live your talk, put tears of joy in someone’s face, that is our desire, to know how many persons we can lift from poverty”, he stated.

Umahi also told his appointees who are grumbling that they can quite, adding that everyone occupying any position in government is a privilege.

Adding: ” The problem is that sometimes, we don’t know where we are coming from, the truth is that everyone here is a privilege, including myself, you are not better than those who are not in this position, you are getting the much you are getting and you are still grumbling.”

” Well, the door is wide up for you to quit. you can’t stay in the system and be castigating the system, those who know what they are doing don’t have time for gossip, they are inventing things but when you have nothing to offer then you go into gossip to cover up.”

He also called on his appointees to make sacrifices for those that elected them, stressing that the privilege given them should not be taken for granted.

“Let me appeal to Ebonyians and our leaders, let us make scarifies because of those that elected us.

” Our people are suffering, they also need attention, their population is what gives us the little we get from the Federal level, he added.

Meanwhile, the governor distributed 68 Hyundai SUV to some of his newly appointed aides.

Among those who got the vehicle were some Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Permanent Secretaries and the first appointed 13 Development Center Coordinators.

Umahi maintained that the vehicles are official vehicles which will be returned back to government when the appointment elapses or is terminated, and that old Exco members will not get a new vehicle rather a car loan, which according to him is optional.

His words…” These vehicles are partly 99.9% government and .01 percent personal, which means that if you are leaving government you have to give it back.”

” The number of days you will ride it before leaving is your own benefit, don’t tell us to calculate, there will be no calculation.”

” Let me make it very clear, all the old members will not get brand new vehicle, they will get car loan which is optional.”

” I can’t explain it but the poverty in the state is high, so I can’t buy you new vehicle every four years.”

” After all, the vehicle I’m riding is that of Elechi which he used for 8years, so we have to make sacrifice to look for ways to cut the cost of governance.”