Legislative Bulletin

17/07/2020

https://certusnews.com/afikpo-and-biase-farm-settlement-crisis-ebonyi-state-house-of-assembly-weighs-in-heavily/

26/06/2020

https://certusnews.com/ebonyi-state-house-of-assembly-legislates-on-the-2020-revised-budget-estimates/

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi (fnse, fnate), yesterday, submitted to Ebonyi State House of Assembly, the State’s 2020 Revised Budget Estimates for necessary legislation.

10/06/2020

ONE YEAR IN OFFICE, TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Being the remarks of the Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru during the plenary as the 6th Assembly marks one year in office today Wednesday 10th June, 2020.

1. Today, June 10, 2020 marks our one year anniversary in office as Honourable Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, personaliter, as the Honourable Speaker of the 6th Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

2. I remain ever grateful to God Almighty for His benevolence over my colleagues and I, despite our unworthiness. My special appreciation goes to our various constituents, especially my beloved people of Izzi West State Constituency who gave me yet another tenure to serve them. I defer highly to His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi (fnse, fnate) - our dear Governor, the Chief Servant and splendid leader of Ebonyi State.

3. As enshrined in sections 4(6) (7), 90, 91, 100, 101, 128, 129 and 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, we have in the previous 12 months ensured passionate and dutiful discharge of our legislative functions which include, lawmaking, oversight, investigation, screening, approval, deliberation, etc; to make certain that policies of government stand for the common and collective interests of Ebonyians, akin to effective representation.

4. In a determined bid to get our Legislative wheels up to speed and running after inauguration, my distinguished colleagues and I embarked on seminars and workshops to improve technical competence and enhance potentials for legislative excellence. This served a rock-solid footing for many of our modest but rather effective, efficient, transparent and accountable Legislation in the previous months.

5. In the spirit of section 4(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the 6th Ebonyi State House of Assembly has so far enacted 22 Laws for the peace, order and good governance in Ebonyi State. Some of them include;
- Ebonyi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 013 of 2019, which promotes speedy dispensation of Justice, encourages Restorative Justice and modernises Criminal Justice tools.
- Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centre Law (Amendment) No 015 of 2019 - reducing unemployment in the State by empowering the Governor to appoint two (2) Liaison Officers for each of the 171 Wards in the State.
- Ebonyi State Corona Virus and Other Dangerous Infectious Diseases Law No 005 of 2020, adding legal spice to the regulations and precautionary measures of Government in combating the pandemic.
- Ebonyi State Public Procurement Law No 009 of 2020, which tightened loopholes for embezzlement of public funds and ensures transparency and accountability of financial transactions.
- Ebonyi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission Law No 013 of 2020 - Ensuring that fiscal policy helps the optimal rate of economic growth in the State.
- Ebonyi State Vocational College Law No 014 of 2020 - Law to establish Ebonyi State Vocational College, empowering the State to train our people adequately in various skilled trade to make them self reliant and financially stable.
…amongst others.

6. As specified in sections 128 and 129 the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, we have left no stone unturned in carrying out our oversight functions and investigate daring matters of public importance with a clear aim of resolving such issues for the good of our people, satisfaction of humanity, to the Glory of God. Such functions include, but not limited to;
- Ensuring prudence and accountability in the financial activities of the 13 Local Government Councils in the State.
- Restoring peace and a lasting solution to the clash between the leadership of Abakaliki Rice Mill and the female Rice Dealers and Sellers in the Rice Mill.
- Thorough investigation into the Decline in Ebonyi State Internally Generated Revenue by our 7-man ad-hoc committee.

7. We have in no minimal measure thoroughly screened appointees of Government to certify that the good people of Ebonyi State have the best hands to serve them in public offices.

8. Regrettably, the year 2020 was greeted by the pandemic - Corona Virus, designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as COVID-19. My distinguished colleagues and I have not deterred one bit in the fight against the pandemic. We donated our April 2020 Salaries and Allowances to the State Government to help in curbing the menace. Individually and in our respective constituencies, we have equally shown no signs of halting or relenting in this fight.

9. By the special Grace of God, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi (fnse, fnate) - our dear Governor appointed me as Chairman of the State’s COVID-19 Fundraising and Welfare Committee, an assignment which I have continued to discharge with unflinching commitment and dedication to protecting lives of all Ebonyians from COVID-19, to the Glory of God.

10. This leads my note to the distinctive synergy between the three (3) arms of Government in Ebonyi State, formed by His Excellency, the Governor. In understanding the principle of separation of powers, the Governor has in no minimal measure respected and endeared in his heart, the cordial relationship between the three (3) arms of Government, of which we Legislators are immensely proud of.

11. In absolute respect for the functions and powers of the Legislative Arm, the Governor ensures that certificates of all procurements in the State get to the House of Assembly. Six (6) months in office, he constituted the House of Assembly Service Commission. The Law was passed in 2011 but no one constituted the Commission.

12. After the National Assembly passed the House of Assembly Autonomy into Law - that is the 4th alteration - Section 121 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and the assent of Mr. President, His Excellency the Governor said that whatever is due for the House of Assembly should go to them and the House made a Financial Management Law, which the Governor assented to, that every fund meant for the House of Assembly must be transferred directly to them.

13. Sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for giving more clarification and directive to make sure that the financial autonomy is implemented 100 percent, across the 36 States of the Federation, by signing his Executive Order No 10 of 2020.

14. All the giant infrastructural strides, robust Agricultural schemes, health sector reforms, notable improvement in education, unique human capital development, standard attitudinal change, prudent financial management, effective security policies and very many massive achievements of His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State are the fruits of sweet working relationship between the various arms of Government in the State.

15. I believe there are rooms for us to improve in our Legislative functions as servants of the people and that is why we are always open to constructive criticisms on social media and other platforms, for they serve as good feedback mechanisms for us to represent our people better.

16. Let me use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate and congratulate my dearest colleagues - Honourable Members of the 6th Ebonyi State House of Assembly, for their critical contributions towards the positive results we achieved so far in the previous 12 months. To my reliable Deputy Speaker - Chief Odefa Obasi Odefa, the very intelligent leader of the House - Hon. Victor Uzoma Chukwu, our dogged Chief Whip - Hon. Engr. Humphrey Nwuruku, our pragmatic and eloquent Deputy Leader - Hon. Kingsley Ogbonna Ikoro and our docile deputy Chief Whip - Hon. Benjamin Ezeoma; you all have done wonderfully well.

17. To our finest Clerk and Clerks at Table, aides and indeed the entire staff of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, I congratulate you too and urge us never to relent in serving the good people of Ebonyi State.

18. In a most special way, I must thank our lovely spouses and children especially my darling wife - Chief Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, and children for all their support and sacrifices.

19. In wrapping up, I must flash back to my acceptance speech during the inauguration of the 6th Assembly in 2019 where I promised to uphold the ethics of transparency and accountability of our collective resources, promote good governance and infrastructural development amongst others. In all humility and honesty, we all have done well, and we promise never to slack in ensuring that we deliver on our promises. We will remain ever peaceful and productive.

20. Thank you all. God bless Ebonyi State House of Assembly. God bless the Salt of the Nation.

27/05/2020

Wednesday 27:05:2020

Ebonyi State House of Assembly today passed into Law, a Bill for a Law to establish Ebonyi State Vocational College and provide for the establishment of Ebonyi State Vocational College Board and other matters connected thereto, HAB no 014 of 2020.

This Law according to the Honourable Speaker, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru "will empower the State to train our people adequately in various skilled trade to make them self reliant and financially stable."

23/05/2020

NWIFURU LAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI OVER JUDICIARY , ASSEMBLIES AUTONOMY

The Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has hailed the 2020 Executive Order No. 10 of President Muhammadu Buhari, as a welcome development for the Legislature and Judicial arms of Governments across the 36 States of the Federation.

The President, on Friday, signed into Law, an Executive Order to grant financial autonomy to the Legislature and Judiciary across the 36 States, in fulfilment of the power vested on him as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to guarantee the ex*****on and maintenance of the Constitution and Laws made by the National Assembly.

Speaker Nwifuru during his usual Saturday briefing on behalf of the State’s COVID-19 Fundraising and Welfare Committee on EBBC radio 98.1 fm and Salt TV, noted that despite the good news from the Presidency, nothing will change in the affairs of Ebonyi State House of Assembly as they have been enjoying Legislative Autonomy under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Chief. David Nweze Umahi - Governor of Ebonyi State.

“This has been a struggle between the Legislative arm of Government, the Executive and the Judiciary, struggling to be autonomous financially and administratively. Fortunately here in Ebonyi, our Governor understands the principle of separation of powers and six months in office, he constituted the House of Assembly Service Commission. The Law was passed in 2011 but no one ever constituted the Commission, but six months after his swearing in, I presented the matter to him and he approved it and constituted the Commission immediately.

“After the National Assembly passed the House of Assembly Autonomy into Law - that is the 4th alteration - Section 121 (3) of the Constitution, once the section came in place after the assent of Mr. President, His Excellency the Governor said that whatever is due for the House of Assembly should go to them and we made a Financial Management Law in the House, which the Governor assented to, that every fund meant for the House of Assembly must be transferred directly to them.

“So what His Excellency, the President did was giving more clarification and also more directive to make sure that the financial autonomy is implemented 100 percent. He exercised his constitutional powers and you must obey based on Section 5 of the Constitution - that every section of the Constitution must be obeyed no matter who the person is and that is what Mr. President did by issuing Executive Order No 10.

“For me, the actions of Mr. President is in line with the Constitution and it is a welcome development, especially for those who have been suffering. For us here in Ebonyi, we’ve been lucky so nothing will change because what Mr. President signed is exactly what is happening in Ebonyi here.” Nwifuru said.

22/05/2020

21/04/2020

COVID-19:
EBONYI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY DEPUTY LEADER, HON. IKORO KINGSLEY OGBONNAYA DISTRIBUTES 500 BAGS OF RICE, 200 TUBERS OF YAM, 100 CARTONS OF INDOMIE AS PALLIATIVES TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

23/03/2020

THE UNCOUNTABLE LEGACIES THAT EARNED RT. HON. FRANCIS OGBONNA NWIFURU THE BEST HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER IN NIGERIA.

On Friday March 20, 2020, the management of Champion Newspapers Limited decorated the Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as the Best Assembly Speaker in Nigeria during their 2019 Champion Annual Award held at Oriental hotel Victoria Island Lagos.

During the occasion, the Group Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of Champion Newspapers Limited, Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa emphasised that the recognition was not designed to promote frivolity but to celebrate Nigerians who have impacted positively on the lives of the generality of citizens on the preceding year. She said that they painstakingly maintained the integrity of the awards to ensure that only those who met their rigorous selection criteria emerged winners.

According to Dr. Iheakanwa, "our assessment of the awardees was without their knowledge and the selection was done by the Board of Senior Editors of Champion Newspapers in concert with some independent assessors who worked tirelessly to coordinate and finally arrived at our awardees, whose exemplary achievements are an inspiration and beacon of hope to us all."

She further emphasised the need to begin to identify and celebrate those who have effectively utilized any and every opportunity to lead at one level or the other for the good of the people.

While congratulating the awardees, she described the occasion as their modest way of contributing to the upliftment of the society by providing a veritable platform to recognize selfless service among public office holders and institutions.

There's no gainsaying that the Fifth Ebonyi State House of Assembly under Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as Honourable Speaker demonstrated a height of competence and wisdom. Their numerous laws, motions and resolutions in no small measure helped to entrench democratic ethos in Ebonyi State as well as to defend the rights and privileges of Ebonyi citizens to education, good health, electricity, sanitation, security, etc

The 5th Ebonyi state House of Assembly which formed the bases of the assessment for the award of Chief Francis Nwifuru carried out her duty and responsibility of enacting good Laws and equally domesticated all treaties of government at all level and as ratified by the National Assembly.

The tremendous achievements of the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi which is the reason the people of the state re-elected him for the second term in 2019 cannot be written without the imprematur of the House of Assembly which Nwifuru is the Speaker.

The achievements of Chief Francis Nwifuru is captured in his story below, which poses as his report card and the unbiased observation of the Champion Newspapers published January 22, 2020 titled: "Climbing Higher Heights on Grounds of Achievements", which is laid bare for anybody to challenge.
************************************************
Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly the Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is one of the few people on the corridors of power who knows too well that everything that we do today is a seed sown in the garden of our lives. The Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru also knows that change comes from constructive thought and sound action; not just by complaining or thinking that someone else should do something else.

There is no gain saying that the milestone achievements recorded thus far in Ebonyi State is as the result of the harmonious working relationship which exists between the executive and the legislative arms of government in that state. No wonder that the people of Ebonyi State have come to identify the Speaker of the State House of Assembly with the tag of Team Player. His presiding over the Ebonyi State 6th assembly has positioned him as a man on a special mission, a man who has a date with destiny.

First elected Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly in 2015 when he emerged as the 5th Speaker of the Assembly, Nwifuru had depended heavily on his rich and enviable track record of achievements to secure a re-election as Speaker in the second tenure of Governor David Umahi’s administration.

Nwifuru is at home with politics in Ebonyi State and has acquainted himself very well to the extent that he is now a rallying point for all those who wish the state well. For him, by spending every single moment at a high level of consciousness, life becomes a celebration of joy, happiness and strength.

Speaker Nwifuru may not have had everything on a platter of gold but he has managed to transform every of his turning point into a learning curve hence the bitter encounters in his bid to accomplish his political and leadership dreams have become ‘practical success’ turning into testimonies and praises by his well wishers and even those who had predicted woes upon him. Those who predicted that he would not be able to carry out the speakership functions at the early stage of assuming office as the Speaker of the state 5th Assembly have all turned to be his cheer leaders.

The breakthroughs and goodwill messages for Rt. Honourable Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as the Speaker of Ebonyi 5th Assembly have not been different but have turned to be the an adoration ground for his excellent performance by the undivided voice of his people.

The Speaker’s sprouting out from the building industry to answer a call of the good people of Izzi West State Constituency to step forward to represent them in Ebonyi State House of Assembly in 2011 was as magical as it was divine for it was hardly noticed by any person in the state that Nwifuru is such a talented and people oriented person.

His successful election then in 2011 was too hard to bear, as many in the state saw his victory during the primary election as a lost hope for his constituents particularly the supporters of his closest rival and of course, the entire Izzi clan. But despite the pains it caused his closest rival, former Speaker Augustine Nwankwegu and his measurable supported constituents.

As an embattled child of destiny with a promising leadership qualities, the war of his successful testimony could not end up then in his first tenure even though the Ebonyi 4th Assembly was hijacked by external forces who flooded the House with chaos, confusion, and in-house-fight; characterised by suspensions and counter suspensions and several impeachment saga being recorded.

The political games and the challenges continued in that way to bring into fulfillment the Divine Mandate Call by God for Nwifuru, whom it became too hard and hot for him when he in 2015 had already bought form in his party, PDP, to re-contest his position as a member representing Izzi West in the state Assembly.

By then, it was too difficult for any Ebonyi man or woman to believe that Hon. Nwifuru would make it again to Ebonyi State House of Assembly owning to the fact that he became an ardent supporter of the current Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Nweze Umahi just because of his strong faith rested on the joyous songs and spirit of fairness, equity and justice to the obvious discredit of the massive movement and support for his former Political Boss and his father in marriage, Sir Edward Okereke Nkwegu, EDON, who was pushed to contest the state governorship position by the then sitting Governor, Chief Martin Elechi and his teeming defected members and supporters of Labour Party, LP, for having lost his attempt to install his PDP candidate, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu from the Southern part of the state when he was clamouring for equity reign on the seat of the state governor.

Yet, the whole battle ended up in the favour of Honourable Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and all the candidates of PDP as they won all the elective posts starting from the National Assembly, governorship and state Assembly seats except the two members in the state Assembly that were produced by PPA and LP, who could not delay in defecting into PDP after witnessing the resounding leadership qualities displayed by PDP elected leaders in the state particularly in the House, when Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been on the steering of the state Assembly Speakership.

Indeed, it was a testimony amidst fear and confusion following several speculative reports coming from all angles in the state to put Nwifuru’s speakership into crisis like that of the 4th State Assembly, but low and behold, it has been established that the gallant Izzi West lawmaker has made the highest success records in the history of the state assembly.

His tremendous leadership qualities and outings have dumb-folded his overwhelmed opponents including the political cabals who claimed to have worked for his emergence in the 4th Assembly as the Honourable member representing Izzi West state constituency as they employed all kinds of destructive elements and used diverse techniques to distablize the 5th Assembly which was under his watch.

In no doubt, the testimonies on the performance of the Speaker have become numerous to mention even as his body language has shown that he is of God, destined and unstoppable believer with an exemplary leadership trait, for having exhausted many of his marshalled outlines on his employment/empowerment programmes and awards of scholarship outreaches in his 5th Assembly, befitted by people cutting across the state particularly in Izzi Nation, more of his feats are yet unfolding.

Apart from his avalanche of employment and empowerment outreaches benefitted by not only his constituents but across people in the state, Speaker Nwifuru has attracted high recommendations by Ebonyi People for his ability to keep the state Assembly peacefully, calm and conducive since assumed office as the Speaker, Ebonyi Assembly.

His numerous success stories during his Speakership in the state 5th Assembly have also been largely effected changes positively in the House, as his leadership was able to make initiation that led to the rebuilding of the obsolete chamber being approved by the state Governor which has continued giving the Honourable House members an outstanding record in carrying out their duties.

Notwithstanding, the 5th Assembly under his leadership was the regime that passed the highest bills into laws, 49 of them have been already assented by the state governor and made over 285 resolutions for the wellbeing of Ebonyi state.

These included Nwifuru’s determination to ensure the welfare of the staff working in the House and also for an administrative convenience of the Honourable lawmakers in his first regime, through their amicable and joint influence which made the state governor to constitute the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission within six months in office; and this feat presently has boosted the working relationship of the Assembly staff attracting more laudable felicitations for the state government.

The unending felicitations by Ebonyi people to the state lawmakers on their executed development projects carried to their respective constituencies through his leadership qualities which pleased the state Governor to give out his full support, have remained an immemorial as an eloquent testimony in the state.

These were achieved through nothing but their understanding themselves, and the speaker’s genuine conduct of the House which have made them to equally handle effectively letters emanating from the office of the state governor seeking approval and authentications, including their successful screening and confirming of the governor’s nominees for appointments and other issues of legislative concerns brought before the Honourable House and even the valedictory sessions for the departure of the former Honourable members of the state 5th Assembly.

Yet, the Speaker has never relented till when the battle line was drawn during the 2019 elections in order to return back for the third tenure in the House, an attempt to respond to his people who have continued praying and wishing for his political and leadership success, having known that most political warlords in his constituency were not in support of his re-election but after all said and done, God perfected his third term victory as usual.

Though, devil remained restless by using many tactics to pull down the progressive gentle Speaker from completing his Divine Mandate mission as this became visible during his re-election into office as the Speaker of Ebonyi 6th Assembly.

Yet, his re-election and victory as the Speaker of Ebonyi State 6th Assembly became a success by the true intervention of God considering the rumours and counter rumours made against him.

To begin now in reviewing the breakthroughs of Speaker Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as he focuses on liberating the state from shackles of backwardness through the law making processes as his concern is to make boldly all his undertakings accruable to the Divine Mandate mission and the people-oriented government under the watch of Governor David Nweze Umahi and as quested by the yawning of the good people of Ebonyi State for a practical and evidence leadership representations in every political position in the country particularly those occupied by Ebonyians; the Speaker has in consonance invested much legacies to reap more from many opportunities awaiting him but it is only time will unfound them.

©Media Team.
Copyright Reserved.
March 21, 2020

20/03/2020

Congratulations, Mr. Speaker!
Rt. Hon. Ogbonna Francis Nwifuru.

WE ARE PROUDLY EBONYIANS!

20/03/2020

20/03/2020

dateline wednesday 18:03:2020

COVID-19: EBONYI ASSEMBLY AUTHORIZES THE GOVERNOR TO PROCURE EQUIPMENT FOR THE STATE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor David Nweze Umahi to disburse the two billion naira CBN Loan for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Ebonyi State among others.

The House granted the approval during its Plenary, Wednesday presided by the Speaker, Chief Francis Nwifuru at the Legislative complex, Nkaliki.

Njideka Nwali has the report for salt television.

15/03/2020

SPEAKER NWIFURU HAILS THE IMPACT OF JIM NWOBODO, GOV. UMAHI & OTHERS IN EBSU.

The combined 7th to 11th Convocation Ceremony of the prestigious Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, couldn't have occurred any better. Under the very considerate gaze of the day’s weather, revered gentlemen and ladies of dignified works of life assembled, to celebrate what was described by Speaker Nwifuru as an ‘epoch-making event.’

The gathering was a composition of the past, the present and the future of Ebonyi State, Nigeria and the globe at large. An event that saw the living icon of Ndi Igbo - Sen. Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo in attendance. He was one of four awardees of the University’s Doctor Honoris Causa, a modest recognition of his grandfatherly role in the foundation-laying of the University, which is an offshoot of the defunct Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH), established through Law no. 7 of 30th July 1980, by the Government of the Old Anambra State. It is worthy of reiteration that Jim, was the Governor at that time.

Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi - immediate former Governor of Ebonyi State was one of the four (4) awardees. His significance in steadying the ship of the University between 2007 to 2015 is bright as day for all to see. Rtd. Maj. Gen. Abel Obi Umahi’s contribution to the security wrap of the nation and particularly the South-East is one Ebonyians are relishing all day; he was one of the Eagles awarded. On the list as well is Dr. Cletus ‘Omeka-Dad’ Ibeto, a name synonymous with industrial development across the world and the brain nourishing the rebirth of NIGERCEM Cement base in Nkalagu, Ebonyi State.

The assemblage of these big wigs who have in no minimal margin spurred and steadied the activities of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki was a brainchild of His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi (FNSE, FNATE) - Governor of Ebonyi State. He is everything noble, a man of reputable character, working with grit and grace. For all his grand presence in the present day Ebonyi State, he chose to inspire the graduating students who undeniably assume the future of the society by calling these icons together and enriching their intelligence through the presence of Prof. Charles Soludo - former CBN Governor and the overwhelming convocation lecture by Prof. Chinedu Nebo - Former Nigerian Minister for Power and former Vice Chancellor of UNN.

From his very humble gaze, the Honourable Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru observed the flurry of greatness in one event, and praised the magnificence of all the actors.

“It is simply a pure privilege to co-exist with these crop of men, a grace which God alone gives. I witnessed with rich satisfaction the convocation ceremony of our dear Ebonyi State University and really, it couldn't have occurred any better. Sen. Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo has made landmark achievements in both national and international scenes, but here we are with him on our own soil; what a rare privilege. Ebonyi State will remain indebted to him for laying the foundation of our University’s birth. Gov. Elechi, Gen. Umahi, Dr. Ibeto are as well great sons we are proud to have and associate with.

“I am very sure like all of them attested to, that they’re thrilled and indeed blessed to be alive to see their dreams for our dear State come to fruition through the modest developments steered by His Excellency, Gov. Umahi, on all fronts. This convocation ceremony will go down in history as an epoch-making event and I thank God for that. For the graduates, I wish them the very best in all their future endeavours.” - Speaker Nwifuru said.

Amongst many other revered dignitaries at the event was Chief Pete Edochie, one of Nigeria’s esteemed actors.

© Leo Ekene Oketa
Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Speaker
14/03/2020