EBONYI POLITICAL FOES UNITE FOR EX-GOVERNOR’S BIRTHDAY

images

EBONYI POLITICAL FOES UNITE FOR EX-GOVERNOR’S BIRTHDAY

After years at loggerheads, leaders of Ebonyi State including Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former governors Sam Egwu, David Umahi and Martin Elechi, seem to have settled their differences.

The leaders have not been attending public functions together until Tuesday, when all of them gathered to celebrate the 83rd birthday of former governor Elechi in Abakaliki.

Elechi’s birthday celebration was organised by the Ebonyi State Government.

The event, which took place at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, attracted personalities both far and near.

The former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim, who chaired the event, described Elechi as a foremost, resilient and uncompromising founding father of the state who fought for the unity the state is enjoying.

“it is true that Chief Elechi was the Governor of Ebonyi State but I tell you, that was just a calling to fill a vacuum which he accepted in his usual willingness to make the utmost sacrifice for Ebonyi people,” Anyim said.

Former governor of the state and ex-Minister of Education, Sam Egwu averred that Elechi displayed exemplary leadership as governor of the state and made enormous contributions to its development.

“Your dedication and tireless effort in spearheading the struggle for the creation of the state has left an indelible mark on the history of our beloved state.

“Your resilience in the struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State served as an inspiration to countless individuals, myself included.

“At the end of my tenure as the first democratically elected governor of the state, I felt naturally happy to transmit the administration of the new state to you who spearheaded the struggle of the state creation.

“As a governor, you demonstrated exemplary leadership and made significant contributions to the development of our state,” Egwu said, pouring encomiums on Elechi.

On his part, Elechi’s successor and Minister of Works, Umahi described him as an experienced administrator who taught him administration in governance.

In his speech, Governor Nwifuru said the state had every reason to celebrate Elechi.

Nwifuru commended the former governor for his leadership style and his contribution to the development of the state.

He described Elechi as one of the most respected elders in the state, Igbo land and the nation in general.

“Chief Elechi no doubt remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Ebonyi State who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our state, with the benefits of hindsight, for effective governance.

“I have benefited immensely from Chief Elechi’s knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect our state. As an astute politician, he has been part of every political epoch in our state.

“Beyond his sage contributions to our development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspect of his enviable life is his forthrightness, integrity, reliability and spartan life.”

Elechi, in his remarks, lauded Nwifuru for organizing the event in his honour, describing it as the best gift to him.He stated that the governor has opened a new chapter in governance and assured of his continued support to his administration.

  • Dons Eze

    DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.

    Related Posts

    196 SOLDIERS RESIGN FROM NIGERIAN ARMY OVER CORRUPTION, LOW MORALE

    ANOTHER 196 SOLDIERS RESIGN FROM NIGERIAN ARMY OVER CORRUPTION, LOW MORALE No fewer than 196 soldiers in the North-East and other theatres of operation have applied to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, for voluntary retirement. The action comes amid worsening security challenges the military is currently combating in most parts of the country. Sources revealed that most of the soldiers resigning had indicated interest to join the military forces of other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations. The soldiers, drawn from various formations of the army across the country according to the list obtained on Saturday, are all junior cadres. The Chief of Army Staff has since approved their formal disengagement. The list of the exiting soldiers did not distinguish between those embarking on voluntary retirement and those leaving the army on medical grounds. However, none of them had neither attained retirement age nor the mandatory years of service. The approval of their voluntary disengagement dated August 23 was signed by Brigadier OH Musa. There have been allegations of corruption in the Nigerian Army which some of the soldiers have blamed on the issue – soldiers overstaying in the North-East. According to some soldiers, the army is the epitome of deep-seated corruption. They noted that the corruption is affecting the prosecution of the anti-terrorism war in the North-East. They complained that they were being forced to confront Boko Haram militants, adding that their low morale and lack of willingness to continue to fight made it possible for terrorists to dislodge some military camps recently. They complained of abandonment and accused the military authorities of keeping them on the war front beyond their approved period Moves by many soldiers to resign over poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and lack of motivation within the Nigerian Army. Multiple sources who spoke to the newspaper had expressed frustration with the Nigerian government’s failure to provide them with decent living conditions, modern weapons, and adequate compensation to combat a series of non-state actors ravaging the country. “A set of 27 personnel are leaving and this set is only medical corps. Infantry corps and armoured corps are still coming. So many more will leave. “Soldiers are leaving because the work is no longer sustainable. People are running every day to join British Army, Ukraine, Russia, Commonwealth army and the likes. That’s what is happening now,” one of the sources in the Nigerian military had said “Even the planned protest, many soldiers are praying it should happen,” another source added.

    AJURI NGALARE WAS SACKED, NOT RESIGNED – INVESTIGATION

    AJURI NGALARE WAS SACKED, NOT RESIGNED – INVESTIGATION Contrary to Ajuri Ngelale’s public claims that he stepped down as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity due to a “vexatious medical situation” in his family, Federal government sources have revealed that the former presidential spokesman was in fact fired. Ngelale’s resignation, according to insiders, was part of a face-saving measure after his repeated pleas for a “soft landing” were granted by the presidency.Ngelale, who also served as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, surprised Nigerians on Saturday with the sudden announcement of his exit from office, citing family health issues. In a statement, he described the decision as “agonising” but necessary due to pressing medical matters within his immediate family.However, an FIJ investigation has uncovered that his exit was not voluntary but the result of a growing power struggle with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Multiple senior sources within the presidency confirmed that Ngelale’s ousting was triggered by his long-standing conflict with Onanuga, which severely disrupted the presidential communications team.Behind the Scenes: A Power Struggle ExposedFollowing the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, tensions between Ngelale and Onanuga escalated. Ngelale, who had served as Senior Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, reportedly viewed himself as superior to Onanuga due to his earlier experience within government. But Onanuga, a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was appointed Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, creating confusion over overlapping roles in the presidential media structure.According to FIJ sources, civil servants struggled to determine who held the senior position, unlike during the Buhari administration, where clear distinctions existed between media appointees Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu. In the Tinubu administration, Ngelale’s and Onanuga’s titles as Special Advisers blurred these lines, leading to significant tension in the communications team.Ngelale’s Presidential BackingNgelale’s influence was strengthened by his close ties to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. Sources indicated that Ngelale’s relationship with Tinubu’s inner circle made him feel “untouchable,” further intensifying his conflict with Onanuga.One presidential source shared that Ngelale was dismissed earlier in the week and that his announcement on Saturday was a carefully orchestrated move to avoid public embarrassment. “When he received the dismissal letter, he immediately began negotiating for a soft landing, which eventually led to the ‘resignation’ narrative,” the source revealed.The Long-Running Feud with OnanugaTensions between the two men began soon after the election, with Bayo Onanuga reportedly open to peace talks while Ngelale refused to engage. Even Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi intervened, calling for multiple meetings to reconcile the two, but Ngelale repeatedly declined, citing scheduling conflicts.Onanuga, who was appointed months after other key advisers, operated without a dedicated office in the presidency until recently. Sources disclosed that Ngelale blocked efforts to allocate Onanuga an office, forcing him to “squat” in the office of Tunde Rahman, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.Ngelale’s Tumbling Standing with the PresidentAccording to FIJ’s sources, the final straw came when the presidency’s media operations suffered due to the feud. Ngelale had instructed civil servants not to release any statements from Onanuga without his approval, which led to serious friction within the team. The presidency was reportedly informed that Ngelale’s attitude was hindering the administration’s ability to publicise its achievements.Additionally, Ngelale’s strained relationship with journalists and editors in Nigeria further undermined his role as a media adviser. Sources described him as “arrogant and disrespectful,” a perception that did not sit well with the president’s communication goals.Silence from Ngelale and OnanugaWhen contacted by FIJ, both Ajuri Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga declined to comment on the matter.…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    WE’RE NOT BARREN – OBASEKI’S WIFE REACTS TO OSHIOMHOLE’S OUTBURST

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 14 views

    MANY BATTLES OF AJURI NGALARE

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 21 views

    WHY AJURI NGALARE ‘RESIGNED’ AS TINUBU’S SPOKESMAN

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 36 views

    196 SOLDIERS RESIGN FROM NIGERIAN ARMY OVER CORRUPTION, LOW MORALE

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 34 views

    PDP RECEIVES REPORT ON ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES AGAINST WIKE, UGWUANYI, MAKINDE, OTHERS

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 67 views

    APC, BUHARI, TINUBU, OTHERS DESTROYED NIGERIA – LUCKMAN

    • By Dons Eze
    • September 8, 2024
    • 38 views