Governor Sullivan Chime
A group in Enugu State, Save Enugu Group (SEG), has asked the Acting Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi to explain the whereabouts and health status of Governor Sullivan Chime.
In a petition signed by Chief Maxi Okwu; Ozo Igbonekwu Ogazimora; Chief Willy Ezugwu; Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike; Comrade Victor Eneh; and Barr. Ray Nnaji, SEG noted that the Governor has not been seen in public since September 19, 2012.
The statement said: “Since then sightings and near sightings of him have been reported which all turned out to be a hoax,” the group observed. “This unsavory state of affairs has created a thriving mill of idle gossipers who speculate on his whereabouts and state of health. These rumors have ranged from the insensitive to the ludicrous. Matters got to a head on the 15th day of December 2012, the day of the fatal air disaster in Bayelsa state that claimed the lives of Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State and General Azazi , when the national media was rent with the news also of the death of our Governor.”
“On at least two occasions the Commissioner of Information Enugu State in the person of Mr. Chuks Ngwoke has come out with an official statement on the status of the governor. Essentially it was stated that His Excellency was quietly enjoying his holiday and accumulated leave, or that he would be in office shortly. These conflicting accounts merely served to exacerbate rather than ameliorate the situation.
“We are also told that at the time of his disappearance from public view, His Excellency as required by section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), duly handed over to the Deputy Governor,” SEG said, but drew attention to widespread rumors that the Acting Governor is unable to discharge his constitutional duties because a cabal of unelected officers have rendered his authority otiose.
“At this juncture we make bold to ask: Can the Governor hand over and create an acting administration in perpetuity? What is the duration of annual leave for the Governor? How many days make up this ‘accumulated annual leave’. Could the Constitution and government holiday regulations have given His Excellency a carte blanch to take a break for over 100 days? We do not think so. The QUESTION which we would be most obliged if it is answered is; WHERE IS HIS EXCELLENCY OUR GOVERNOR?”
The group called on the acting Governor to constitute a delegation to visit the ailing Governor and ascertain his true health status.
It suggested that eminent personalities including His grace Bishop Callistus Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu; Rev. Hyde Onuauluchi; Prof. Bath Nnaji; Igwe Paul Egbogu; Chief Mrs Grace Obayi; Chief Nduka Eya, Secretary General, Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, and Dr. Louis Anya Chukwuma, should go on the fact-finding mission.
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