A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chinedu Ogah, has cautioned the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, for criticizing Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
Ogah represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the lower chamber.
Odinkalu’s criticism is over the purchase of four-wheel-drive vehicles for newly ordained Catholic priests in the state.
The former NHRC Chairman, in an interview with Channels TV, said the governor’s action was an irresponsible use of public funds, especially considering the current economic challenges.
In a swift reaction, Ogah, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, described Odinkalu’s statement as an act of seeking cheap popularity and displaying unsolicited propaganda.
The lawmaker called on Odinkalu to focus on his human rights assignments instead of delving into socio-economic matters beyond his comprehension and area of jurisdiction.
“The professor, wanting cheap accolades and popularity, decided to put his mouth into issues that concern Ebonyi State Government. The governor has the right to buy official vehicles for reverend fathers because 98% of the population in Ebonyi State are Christians.
“These priests have been assisting the state government in bringing substantive peace to many troubled communities in Ebonyi State.
“And these people (priests) are crusading for the peace and unity of the state. Since Governor Nwifuru’s assumption of office, those areas, locations, or states that share boundary axes with Ebonyi State, where there had been crises and wars, have not had conflicts again through the implementation of the Ebonyi State Charter of Needs.”
According to the House of Representatives member, the money meant to be used to take care of large security personnel in those areas can be channeled towards evangelical activities by the priests for peace and conflict resolution.
He berated Odinkalu, saying that since he was Chairman of the Commission, he has never made his statutory report known to the National Assembly, to the President, and to the Local Government, according to the mandate of the NHRC.
“From available reports, he doesn’t have any accurate record of those he has helped in justifying their rights in prison or in the international community. He may still come now and say that the governor does not have the right to assist the traditional institutions in the state.”
Ogah further emphasized that the governor has the right, within the ambit of the Constitution, to use his security votes to ensure peace and harmony in different parts of the state.
He added that the governor was not misappropriating any funds meant for the people of Ebonyi.
According to him, Nwifuru, since assuming office, has been doing the will of the people as captured in the Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs. He advised the professor to be focused and articulate in carrying out his core mandate.
“And as someone within the circle of the Human Rights Commission, he should give us a report of those he has defended or his achievements when he was the Human Rights boss in this country.
“It’s on record that when he was in office, about 700 individuals were to be recruited into the Human Rights Commission; how many people were recruited from Igboland or his village or community? And he has the audacity to say that our governor is misappropriating public funds. I want to call him to order to avoid delving into matters outside his core mandate.”
He challenged Odinkalu to use the opportunity to visit Ebonyi State and find out for himself what the governor has done so far to ameliorate the socio-economic situation of the people through his numerous empowerment programs and policies.
“I want to use this medium to invite him to Ebonyi State to see what the governor has done. We elected him (Nwifuru), and he is doing what we want in all aspects of life. Let him go and crosscheck the records, and he will find out that Ebonyi State is notable for the judicious management of public funds in this country.
“It’s on record that since the governor’s assumption of office, he has never borrowed or approached any financial institution for any form of loan. Instead of criticizing what he doesn’t know, the professor should appreciate what our governor is doing, which is tailored towards peace, progress, and prosperity of Ebonyi State.
“There’s peace in Ebonyi State, and the governor is strategic about it. He is empowering the people through the creation of jobs, massive employment into the state civil service and the health sector, among other areas. The governor’s policies are people-oriented, and we are happy about it.”
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