A group, Ebonyi Consultative Initiative, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to nominate the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, or the 2019 Ebonyi governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, as his ministerial choice from Ebonyi State.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the National Coordinator of the Group, Chief Michael Chukwu, said the duo has not done anything to advance the development of the state which is also part of the country.

The group therefore called on Buhari not to consider the renomination of Onu or appointment of Senator Ogbuoji, if the President actually wants Ebonyi State to be taken to the next level in line with his campaign mantra.

However, the group specifically made strong case for Ebonyi Central zone for Ministerial nomination noting that the zone has been badly dwarfed for Ministerial appointment like their Ebonyi North and South counterparts since the creation of the State.

Though the group did not make any submissions on any particular nominee, it was gathered that some leaders of APC that flied the party’s tickets from the Central zone, that pulled high votes for the President should be considered among others.

It was gathered that some of the APC top ranks preferred for ministerial nomination from Ebonyi include the following: a Leader of APC in Ebonyi State and 2019 APC Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi Central, Senator Julius Ucha; National Coordinator of Buhari/Osibanjo Initiatives for Demonstrating Change and 2019 APC House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah; Former Secretary to Ebonyi state government, Prof. Ben Odoh among others. Ucha and Ogah were said to have delivered the highest votes for President Muhammadu Buhari in Ebonyi state during the 2019 presidential election.

“We deeply regret that for the last four years our son was appointed the Minister of Science and Technology, his home state has been neglected as if it is not part of the country. Ebonyi State has been schemed out in the calendar of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu that no Federal presence has been recorded since he was appointed to head such lucrative ministry.

“If Mr. President so loves Onu, he should appoint and give him, an ambassadorial position where he will be interfacing with the International Community. As far as Ebonyi is concerned, we don’t need a dormant and non-vibrant Representatives or nominee that will enjoy the quota of the state.

“In the same vein, it should not even be contemplated as we heard that the 2019 Governorship candidate of APC, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji has been lobbying to make the Ministerial list from Ebonyi State quota. It will be a tragedy for Ebonyi state if that happens but we know that President Buhari hopes and thinks well for Ebonyi people. The option of Ogbuoji is no option and Ebonyi people will never accept that.

“Like Onu, Ogbuoji cannot offer good representation as a Minister. So, for the interest of Ebonyi people, the President should be kind enough to nominate someone who has the passion for Ebonyi people and Nigeria at large. We have many capable hands and great mobilisers from Ebonyi state that advanced the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress during the 2019 general elections, if it must be on the basis of Party affiliation. If Ogbuoji could abadon his Governorship ambition only to be eyeing a Ministerial position, it therefore means that he has no political sagacity to be considered worthy for such revered position.”

The group further commended President Buhari for his successful inauguration for another term in office, assuring him of their support and commitment as he pilot the affairs of the country for the next four years.

Meanwhile, he advised the president to take more practical steps that will address the insecurity, power and economic challenges in the country.