Controversy is brewing in Ebonyi State over the committee set up by the state government to oversee the N1.3bn empowerment for 1,300 youths across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Governor Francis Nwifuru had last week announced his decision to empower 1,300 youths with one million naira each for not participating in the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests against President Bola Tinubu-led federal government.
On Wednesday, the State Executive Council set up a 9-man committee to oversee the selection process, with the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, as Chairman.
Other members include: Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, Speaker Ebonyi State House of Assembly; Sen. Ken Eze, representing Ebonyi Central Constituency in the Senate; Mr Emmanuel Uguru, Member Representing Abakaliki/Izzi Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Others are Stanley Okoro Emegha, State APC Chairman; Mrs. Ann Aligwe, Commissioner for Human Capital Development; Okorie Philip Ogbonnaya, Commissioner for Inter-Party; Comrade Chinedu Emerike, President FON Youth Movement; and Comrade Joshua Nwafor, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs.
However, the Committee is generating controversy as many in the state view the list with suspicion.
Many have expressed fear that the committee will be used to siphon the money.
A resident in the state, Mr Udoka Ede, argued that the committee will not yield the desired results.
He said: “This is not a party affair, hence the APC chairman shouldn’t have any business with the committee unless it’s merely for political compensation like the looted, misappropriated and unaccounted audio hawkers’ fund.
