Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, on Wednesday declared that the
state is opposed to the agitation for Biafra and for restructuring.
He said the state was not yet economically viable to seek
independence.
The governor explained that Biafra and restructuring would
not benefit the people of the state.
Umahi spoke at the Government House, Abakaliki, while
responding to the presentation of a consultant on Internally Generated Revenue
(IGR), Dr. Mike Abani, during the state executive council meeting.
He maintained that Ebonyi totally depends on the federal
allocation, while the internally generated revenue (IGR) is paltry.
“When the issue of Biafra or restructuring is discussed, my
heart jumps because Ebonyi State is not ripe for any”, Umahi said.
“Ask yourself, what is it that we are producing? We totally
depend on the federal government for allocation.
“Investors are not coming into the state and our IGR is
nothing to write home about, because the idea of an investor is, supposing the
allocation that comes from the centre stops, how do I get back my money?”
The governor lamented that the people were over taxed, even
as the money went into private pockets of government officials.
He expressed optimism that the new measures being put to
work would end the problem of IGR leakages in the state and assist his
administration in fighting corruption.
By Wale Odunsi
