I Will Not Probe Elechi’s Administration, Says Gov. Umahi

The new governor of Ebonyi, Chief Dave Umahi, says he has no intention of probing his predecessor but vowed to recover all mismanaged funds in the state.

Umahi made the pledge in Abakaliki on Sunday during his maiden worship at the Government House Chapel.

He said: “although I will have zero-tolerance on corruption, I will not probe Chief Martin Elechi’s administration.

“I was part of the administration but we must ensure that all mismanaged funds meant for the state are recovered.

“Chief Elechi as my mentor, showed me the way forward, gave me the freedom to exercise my rights and I bear no grudge against him”.

Umahi promised to enthrone genuine reconciliation among the people of the state to move the state forward.

The governor urged the people to be patient with him, especially in making appointments, adding that he would run an all-inclusive government.

“I am under pressure to appoint people into various positions but utmost patience is needed because not everybody will be appointed and appointments will be a gradual thing.

“Those appointed should, however, not make their relations personal assistants but make such appointments from other areas so that it will spread.

“This is because I alone cannot make appointments as our government is intended to be all-inclusive”, he said.

On the sacking of Local Government caretaker chairmen, Umahi said that he did not sack any chairman or development centre coordinators, saying that the officers should be doing their jobs.

“Any Local Government chairman or development centre coordinator, who wishes to resign, is free but the resignation letter should come straight to me and not through any other person.

“We will dedicate the coming week to praying and fasting to seek the face of God so that genuine reconciliation and attainment of our set development goals will be achieved”, he said.

The governor, however, said that the state broadcasting service was free to transmit religious promotional programmes but added that a committee would be set up through the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state to screen the programme content.

He announced the appointments of Chief Clement Nweke, former Special Adviser to former Elechi on House of Assembly Liaison as his Principal Secretary while Mr Emmanuel Obasi, is appointed the deputy.

In her sermon, the officiating Pastor at the church, Mrs Eunice Oyeyemi, congratulated the governor on his assumption of office.

Oyeyemi advised Umahi to govern the state with the fear of God.

“Leaders in different categories in the country should realise they owe God the duty of ensuring the promotion of the people’s welfare while ensuring equal rights and justice in their activities.

“God also wants the followers to pray and cooperate with leaders to ensure their successes in office as leadership is a collective responsibility”, she said.

The special prayers were offered for a successful reign of the governor and for genuine reconciliation, peace and progress of the state. (NAN)