News
Ebonyi remains poverty capital of Southern Nigeria under Umahi, indigenes fault Buhari’s comments
***Lauds Catholic church, Judiciary on release of remanded priest
The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) has taken swipes at the impressive remarks accorded the Engr. David Umahi-led government in Ebonyi state by President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to the state, saying “she state still remains the poverty capital of the entire Southern Nigeria.”
The Ebonyi indigenes said the claim was true according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and that the fact has not changed. Rather, it has only worsened.
President Buhari during a dinner organised for him by the Ebonyi state government at the new Exco chambers during his two-day visit had positively appraised the Umahi administration, noting among others; “the significant projects executed by Your Excellency in the last seven years. You have done your people proud. I am pleased by the economic development records of the state under your administration, the wonderful network of roads, critical infrastructure, and investment opportunity that you have created in the state. I have noted the progress in the economic performance index of the state, particularly the budget office rating and the SFTAS commendable records about your budgeting principles…”
But reacting to the comments through a statement released Saturday in Abuja by the President of the association, Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu, faulted the claime that Umahi’s infrastructural strides have translated to improved economic indices and better living standards among the people of the state.
“On President Buhari’s obnoxious claims on improved economy for our dear State, AESID feels obligated to inform Mr. President, remind Umahi and the rest of the world that our Ebonyi still remains the poverty capital of the entire Southern Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS and that fact has not changed. Rather, it has only worsened. This is more so because in his intentional wickedness, Umahi has only continued his use of ghosty ‘Umahi and Sons Ltd’ to award and execute most if not all fiscal and infrastructural projects except for perhaps a few that falls on his cronies desk.
“As a group which has been compelled to intervene in providing succour to some internally-displaced- persons due to communal conflicts, we are aware that the awful rating of Ebonyi as the poorest State in Southern Nigeria with about 80% Poverty index according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics is very real and the people cannot wait for the Umahi cup to pass them over so their over-taxed and burdened means of livelihoods could breathe some fresh air.
“As a body, desirous of seeing a genuinely prosperous and economically viable Ebonyi which has severally lamented about Governor Umahi’s locust years in governance which has delibrately created massive hunger and poverty as a coercive tool to whip the poor Ebonyians into his line of subjective submissions, AESID seriously condemns the concocted lies, infantile deceits and elitest mockery which the wasteful jamboree called Presidential visit has brought upon our poor state.
“To drive home our points, we recall that in December last year during the inauguration of the new Bishop of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese that the Governor, in his usual spur-of-the-moment candour officially handed over the so-called King David Medical University situated in his Uburu village and said to be officially registered in his name to the Church to manage it as a Mission’s school.
“How come the same institution which modalities have already advanced for full takeover by the church was again handed over to the Federal Government? Does Umahi think that Ebonyi people are that unthinking not to even deserve an answer and the following of due process?”
The group alleged secrecy in most of the contracts awards and executions by the Umahi’s administration.
“We may live and do businesses elsewhere but there’s no denying the fact that Umahi’s seven years reign has delibrately impoverished Ebonyi arguably more than any government in Nigeria’s history! We are therefore at a loss as to who fed Buhari with the lies and claims he dished out to discerning members of the Nigerian public and the rest of the world?
“Ironically and as diasporans knowledgeable about the goings on in Nigeria particularly as it concerns our nation’s economy, we are aware that Buhari’s understanding of simple economics and it’s indices vis-a-vis National growth and development is horribly shallow. A leader with such a credential cannot therefore in our wisdom be in the right stead to pass a right verdict on Ebonyi’s economic growth and development.
“He could have simply enjoyed the special Abakaliki rice offered him by his hosts amidst lavished praise-singing and returned back to Aso Rock. After all, our arguably profligate Governor has been donating and lavishing Ebonyi’s scarce resources on him and those around him whom he has been frolicking around, pretending to be ‘consulting’ for the 2023 Presidential race.
“We know that the Abakaliki rice specie is so sweet that one could eat same and forget about actual realities and this is why AESID urges discerning members of the Ebonyi, nay Nigerian public to ignore the praises heaped on Umahi and his government by his visitors. We know that having looted Ebonyi’s treasury to stupor, Umahi is desperately seeking for a cover from EFCC after his ruinous reign in Ebonyi, hence his desperation to handover the property and the entire state if it were possible to Buhari-led FG.”
The group, however, asked the anti-graft agency to investigate the ownership and the “numerous cosmetic projects executed by Umahi such as the Medical school, airport, among other conduit pipes for massive corruption.
“On the hand, we most sincerely commend the Catholic Church in Ebonyi State and particularly the Bishop of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Peter Chukwu Nworie for their roles in ensuring that Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta was finally granted bail by the Court just as we commend the judiciary for the role it played. As his trial continues, we further urge them and the Church to be fair and firm in ensuring that justice is not only seen to be done but very well done!”
**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
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