Governor Umahi Should Apologize To Journalists, Ebonyians — Prof. Odoh
…Being a Governor is not a license to cynicism

Prof. Benard I. Odoh,
Emeritus SSG has charged Ebonyi state Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi to as a matter of urgency tender apologies to Journalists in the state, as well as residents, saying that being a governor is not a license to cynicism and abuse of human rights.

Prof. Odoh pointed out in a press statement that Engr. Umahi’s exalted position as the Governor should not be a yardstick for the to incite the latter to display an emotion of jaded negativity on the people, hence his frequent use of derogatory words against the people whose mandates facilitated his position particularly members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

Prof. Odoh argued that in spite of being the Governor, the people who have brought him to power deserved to be treated with decorum instead of being spoken down at as has been the tradition of the people.

The former SSG decried Umahi’s contemptible manner of dealing with Journalists and the people in general, adding that “his approach to minor civil interactions and engagements, is at best, VERY UNDEMOCRATIC and exceedingly DICTATORIAL to say the least.”

Prof. Odoh regretted that rather than empathize with the people over their obvious predicament instigated by the COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Umahi’s actions and utterances has in the past few days are a glaring proof that he “has total disregard for the led.”

“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.

“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.”