By Ade Jacobs
The friction between Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi and the former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, over the governor’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new twist as the state government, through the Commissioner of Investment and Abuja Liaison, Ekumanka Joseph Nkama, has withdrawn as surety for the former lawmaker in his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a letter dated 30th November and addressed to the EFCC by the commissioner, titled, “Re: Withdrawal As Surety For His Excellency, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja,” Nkama said the decision was based on the political crisis in the state.
The state has been embroiled in crisis following the refusal by Anyim and other political stalwarts in the state to join the state governor, Umahi, to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC penultimate week.
Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Governor Umahi, who were former political allies, have been trading words over the issue, as the state helmsman accused the former SGF of trying to use his defection as basis to cause violence in the state.
On his part, Anyim accused Governor Umahi of planning to kill him.
Nkama said, “You may recall Sir, that Senator Anyim was detained while under investigation condition by the commission, I availed myself as his surety knowing fully well the adverse effect his action and inaction could impose on my constitutional rights, should he decides to act in a manner devoid of the expectation of him by the commission (Sic).
“I regret to inform you that recent events in the last two weeks in my state have given me food for thought and my conscience could no longer allow me to continue to stand as surety for Senator Pius Anyim (Sic).
“I have also considered the recent event involving Senator Ali Ndume and Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, I am most particularly convinced that my decision to withdraw as surety will best grant me the needed peace of mind to function effectively in all responsibilities demanded of me.”
This development may have dealt yet another blow to Anyim as Governor Umahi had earlier in the week sacked all political appointees from Ivo Local Government, where the former Senate President hails from.