The Ebonyi Government on Monday, condemned a Non-Governmental Organisation’s (NGO) rating of Gov. Dave Umahi as one of the worst performing governors in the country.
Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Commissioner for Information in the state, told newsmen in Abakaliki that the rating published in a national newspaper on Sunday was a ‘’falsehood’’.
“The sensational false parading as a news report was based on the research, purportedly conducted by an obscure entity called Centre for Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS).
“The government expresses its outrage that a public platform could be given to blackmailers and extortionists, to ply their disreputable trade.
“On Oct.12, a man named Kunle approached me and demanded a collaborative effort between the Ebonyi government and the CIAPS which he claimed he represented,” he said.
According to Onwe, Kehinde proposed that Ebonyi and its governor would be given positive publicity through ranking him among the best governors in the federation.
“This would be in return of a bi-annual payment of N10 million to CIAPS, as he proceeded to demand a down-payment of N5 million.
“I dismissed him with contempt, pointing out that Ebonyi is not in the business of paying cash for favourable ratings,” he said.
The commissioner remarked that the report contained in the national daily was ridiculous when compared with massive development going on in Ebonyi.
“This can be viewed in terms of road constructions and rehabilitation, electrification, purposeful leadership, education, security, among others, which are the governor’s giant strides.
“Workers salaries for September and October were paid before 25th of both months, as salaries are not owed workers in the state,” he said
He regretted that serious public commentary was hijacked by blackmailers and extortionists who traduced those that refused to “grease their dishonourable palm’’.
“Gov Umahi remains undaunted by the efforts of the charlatans as he remains committed to fulfilling all his campaign promises to the people,’’ he said. (NAN)
