Ebonyi Governor, Engr Dave Umahi should Apologize

We are living in time of most profound upheaval that demands leader’s empathy and care. Most people are going through the worst mental, psychological and emotional experiences ever, thus, compelling leaders globally to show greater compassion to citizens. But Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, doesn’t understand that our people, by whose mandates he is the Governor deserve at least minimal respect and treatment with a reasonable degree of human dignity.

In the past couple of days, I have read his deplorable outbursts and chastisement of journalists in Ebonyi with deep concern and worries.
One wonders where he derives his powers from? His approach to minor civil interactions and engagements is at best, VERY UNDEMOCRATIC and exceedingly DICTATORIAL to say the least.

When I resigned from the position of SSG in April 2018, I chronicled my reasons for quitting the job among which were; his high-handedness and intolerance to contrary opinions. Despite our differences in views on governance, I wrote him a personal letter before the commencement of his 2nd tenure in office and captioned how he should lead Ebonyians with empathy, love and respect and also; to be mindful of his actions which were capable of creating disorder in the system should he continue to operate like an emperor.

These past few days, his actions and utterances shows behaviour of a man who has total disregard for the led.

Ebonyi residents deserve better than these tyrannical onslaughts from a man who is ordoninarily supposed to be accountable to his people. These actions and utterances of the governor denigrate our collective sacrifices towards improving the well-being of our people.

We are not all conquered people. I feel obligated to speak and to express my disgust at the Governor’s outbursts and unguided utterances.

The security agencies in the State are enjoined to ensure that the rights and privileges of the citizens whom HE swore to protect are not trampled upon. I plead with the peace-loving people of Ebonyi state to remain calm and law- abiding even in the face of these unwarranted provocations.

I encourage Governor Umahi to apologise to residents and journalists over these actions. Being a governor is not a license to cynicism and abuse of human rights.

Prof. Benard I. Odoh,
Emeritus SSG