From Felix Uka, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has distributed 43 brand new Hyundai Jeeps and five Hilux vans to some top officials serving in boards, ministries and departments of governments.
The beneficiaries included members of the State Executive Council (SEC) who were not captured in the last batch of cars distributed to commissioners and other aides of the governor.
The governor also swore in the newly appointed High Court judge, Justice Onwosi Uwabunkeonye. The ceremony took place at the Exco Chambers while the distribution of the vehicles took place in front of Governora��s Office, all in Government House, Abakaliki, the state capital.
After the carsa�� distribution, the governor said that the government procured them to enable the officers to discharge their duties without hitches.
He however said that the new vehicles were monetised and as such their costs would be deducted from the salaries of the beneficiaries to reimburse the government.
Umahi said: a�?You will however handover the vehicle to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) when you leave your office in the event you are not able to complete the payment before relinquishing your post or in the alternative, pay up your outstanding balance.a�?
The governor said that other officials, especially from the House of Assembly and parastatals, who were not captured in the new distribution, would be provided with theirs in the next batch.
Umahi, who commended the state judiciary for its contributions to the development of the state, especially as it affects the dispensing of justice, the governor pledged to work closely with the judiciary and ensure they were provided the relevant support to work effectively.
He, therefore, announced the sum of N20 million as support for some projects being executed by the judiciary; even as he directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Fidelis Nweze, to commence tarring of the judiciary premises.
Gov Umahi donates Jeeps to govt officials
