By Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State House of Assembly Wednesday, May 25, 2016, approved the request by Governor David Umahi to purchase four Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) for some past leaders in the state.
Umahi in a letter titled, “Request for approval to purchase and donate four SUVs to notable past leaders in the state,” stated that the services rendered by the selected leaders in the state and in Nigeria needed to be appreciated.
The letter which was read at the floor of the House by the House Majority Leader, Joseph Nwobashi, who represents Ezza North West, pointed out that the vehicles would help to encourage the past leaders in the state to continue to render selfless services to the nation.
The letter stated that the SUVs would cost the state government a a total of N116 at N29 million each.
Those expected to benefit from the gesture, according to the letter, included the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi; first civilian governor of the state, Senator Dr.Sam.O.Egwu; APC Chieftain and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
Hon. Chika Ude, representing Ohaozara East, moved that the letter be accepted as a working document of the House and it was seconded by Hon. Franka Okpo (Abakaliki North).
In his argument urging his colleagues to support the request of the governor, the House Majority Leader, Joseph Nwobashi, noted that the idea was novel, saying that the beneficiaries were notable leaders who had made selfless contributions to the growth and development of the state and Nigeria.
He said that the gesture would encourage upcoming leaders to concentrate on delivering quality and selfless services to the nation.
Other members of the House who spoke during the plenary canvassed for speed approval of the letter.
The Speaker of the House, Francis Ognonna Nwifuru, thereafter put the letter to voice vote and it was supported by the majority of the House members.
The Speaker then directed the Clark of the House to do a memo to the governor conveying the approval of the House.
