The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has called for proper sensitisation of voters to enable them come out en masse and participate in the Local Government Election slated for today, Saturday, April 22, 2017.

He made the call during a meeting with traditional rulers and town union presidents at the Government House, Abakaliki.

Umahi, who declared Friday as public holiday to enable the electorate travel home for the election, also encouraged the traditional rulers to ensure effective participation of the people in voter registration and the forthcoming census.

A statement by Umahi's Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted the governor as saying that it is only by effective participation in the three exercises that the state will position itself well in national politics.

He explained that Ebonyi people would vote for any presidential candidate who is ready to develop the state irrespective of party affiliation.

Umahi said: “On Saturday, there will be election. As traditional fathers, we cannot tell you to vote for this party or that party but you have the responsibility to make it compulsory that nobody goes to market or farm.

“I want Ebonyi State to be part of calculation when it comes to our Presidency. I want them to know that Ebonyi can give one million votes. When it comes to Presidency, we no dey do party. It is the man that is going to help us to develop this state that we will follow.”

He announced that he would organise medical check-up for all the traditional rulers and leaders of town unions as well as their family members to boost their health status.

The Governor also assured that he would partner monarchs who have not been provided with official vehicles to procure them while brand new motorcycles would be given to each town union President.

He added: “Very soon, I will organise a comprehensive medical check-up for you and your family members. It must not exceed May. We will get doctors and bring to your communities so that we can have comprehensive medical records for you and see how we can assist you.”

While the Governor said that he would set up neighbourhood watch in all the zones to eliminate social vices such as cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping, he advised the traditional rulers and town union presidents to take his agricultural programme more seriously.

Umahi charged them to nominate 300 farmers in each ward who would be given loans and fertiliser at subsidised cost to plant rice.

He said: “Give me 300 farmers per ward who will receive loans. Each person will get N250,000 and fertiliser at N5,500. The farmers will get money to prepare the ground. They will get money to plant the rice.”

Some of the traditional rulers who spoke, including the chairman of the state traditional rulers council, Charles Nkpuma and the first Vice Chairman, Romanus Iyioku, eulogised Governor Umahi for his outstanding performance.

They appreciated him for his effort to better the lives of traditional rulers in the state and pledged their total support for his administration.

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