Angela Mbaocha, Abakaliki
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, and member representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Anayo Edwin Nwonu, has called for the release of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta, who has been in prison custody.
Ngwuta was arrested for allegedly promoting the communal war between the people of Ezza and Ezza- Effium, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.
The war has led to lost of many lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Ngwuta was arrested, charged to court and remanded at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, for over two months.
The lawmaker called for the Priest’s release at the Abakaliki Correctional Center, yesterday after he visited him, even as he described his detention as unjust.
Stating, “I came here on a private visit to see one of us here that is being remanded, I mean Rev. Fr. Ngwuta. I came here to see him and know what we can do about his release.
“This is a process that we are undergoing to ensure his freedom. What we are preaching in Ebonyi is that injustice should leave Ebonyi State and that is what we stand for.
“I am not a Catholic. I am a pentecostal; but church is church. Our belief is in God and we believe in one God. The most important thing is that an average Ebonyi man is looking for justice.”
Meanwhile, the two-time federal legislator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recently joined the Ebonyi governorship race, promised to declare a state of emergency on education, job creation, health, social investment and the security sector if elected governor in 2023.
Addressing the people at the official opening of his Campaign Office in Abakaliki on Saturday, in a speech titled, “Time To Rescue Ebonyi State”, he said he was in the race to bring succour to the suffering Ebonyi people.
Adding, “We shall also prioritize education, health and well-being, agriculture, strengthening of the Civil Service and Local Government system and infrastructural and industrial development.
” I am aware of the harsh taxation in Ebonyi State. I am also aware of the agony and suffering confronting many of those displaced by the relocation of Abakpa Market and the demolition of the building Material Market at Spera in Deo.
“I am fully aware too that many schools and hospitals are not functioning and that there is an urgent need for qualified staff in our schools and health institutions.
“Today, I bring you good news. I have come to lead the charge to rescue Ebonyi State and bring a breath of fresh air to Ebonyi people”.
