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Ugwuanyi not in hiding, not probed for fraud, says group

By Bertram Nwannekanma, Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and Ernest Nzor (Abuja)
05 June 2023   |   2:56 am
Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, said former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was not in hiding and not probed for any fraud or misappropriation of funds as being peddled by some persons.

Governor Ugwuanyi

•Ohanaeze warns against discrediting ex-gov
•As young appointees appreciate ex-gov for opportunity to serve

Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, said former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was not in hiding and not probed for any fraud or misappropriation of funds as being peddled by some persons.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said its team recently met with Ugwuanyi at his private residence, contrary to reports circulating online that the former governor went into hiding.

According to the group, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is in the best position to state whether or not it is probing any individual, company or state government for alleged fraud or misappropriation of taxpayers’ fund, noting that the anti-graft agency has not initiated any move, because Ugwuanyi apparently utilised the state funds on infrastructure development, human capital growth, agriculture, technological and health care delivery, to mention just a few areas.

“The report that the former governor is in hiding is fake as he is in Enugu receiving visitors from different interest groups – traditional institutions, friends and associates, including holding consultations with the new governor on good governance standards.

ALSO, Ohanaeze Youth Council, yesterday, warned against what it called “hatched plot” to discredit Ugwuanyi, cautioning those behind the plan to have a rethink or regret their action.

The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the former Enugu governor bequeathed secured and peaceful state at a time some other states were battling with one security challenge or the other.

The National President of the group, Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement, said Ugwuanyi would not be forgotten in a hurry. Okwu noted that in a society where youths have become so restive owing to years of neglect, Ugwuanyi ensured Enugu remained calm.

MEANWHILE, a group of young appointees of the Ugwuanyi administration have expressed appreciation to the former governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state.

The group, made up of committed and smart young aides of the former governor, in a statement, yesterday, in Enugu, expressed immense gratitude to him for recognising young people.

They commended the ex-governor for the many people-oriented projects in almost every sector, saying the former governor has itched his name in the sands of time.

They said: “We are, indeed, grateful for the platform Ugwuanyi gave us to launch our leadership career, despite not having political godfathers that could speak on our behalf. The norm has been that young persons are kept far away from the decision-making table, but Ugwuanyi chose the path of honour by appointing young persons and brought them into the system.

“We make bold to state that the former governor did his best, and we owe him our prayers in his future endeavours. For making Enugu peaceful despite diverse political, social and economic interests, he shall also find peace.”

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