By Kenneth Onuoha
The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi State chapter, has condemned what it described as an attack on Governor David Umahi by the National Assembly caucus of the state.
They also dismissed claims that the Ebonyi State branch of Ebube Agu was being targeted at National Assembly members from the state.
In a statement signed by the Ebonyi ALGON Chairman, Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, and made available to 365daily in Abakaliki, the association noted that Ebube Agu was established for the purpose of assisting security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state.
Iyioku asked the National Assembly members to return home and join hands with Umahi to forestall and arrest the activities of hoodlums in the state.
She pointed out Ebube Agu was launched in the state before others in the South-East as part of the State government’s efforts to bring an end to crime in the state, contrary to claims by the National Assembly caucus.
Iyioku, who is the Chairperson of Ohaozara Local Government Area, lamented that Ebonyi State National Assembly members who are supposed to know better have chosen to “repeatedly impugn the integrity of the state Governor for the purpose of self promotion at the detriment of the masses.”
According to her; “Rather than commend the effort of the state governor in tackling security challenges in the state, they resorted in unnecessary and unsubstantiated criticism. It is most regrettable that men like National Assembly members who should know better chose to repeatedly wantonly and maliciously impugn the integrity of Governor David Umahi.
“This is done primarily for the purpose of self promotion. It is obvious from the serial vituperation against Ebonyi State Governor, who is doing his best to positively transform the state for the benefit of all, that they have willfully closed their eyes to the present administration’s good works and intentions for reasons best known to them. They are already made and not interested in the welfare of Ebonyi people.
“Otherwise, it will be completely senseless, irrational and out of place for these National Assembly members to politicise the security situation in the state.”
She noted that Governor Umahi has remained committed to his oath of office of protecting lives and properties, adding that in their pursuit to retain power ahead 2023 general election, the National Assembly members have continued to sow seed of discord and crisis to make the state ungovernable.
“I know very well that it is in pursuit of their nefarious plot that our National Assembly members continued to sow seed of discord and fanning embars of war to make the state ungovernable to achieve relevance in a manner most unbecoming of supposed elder statesmen”.
“Thankfully, the vast majority of Ebonyi people who are patriotic and right thinking can not be fooled by the antics of the National Assembly members”.