Group kicks over alleged abandonment of Ebonyi students studying abroad

The Ebonyi Transparency and Accountability Network, a Non Government Organization, says it will challenge the abandonment of the state’s students studying abroad in a non-confrontational manner.

The incumbent administration in the state said it had no funds to continue the sponsorship of the students on a programme initiated by its predecessor.

Eze Igwe, the Protem President of the organization, who disclosed this on Sunday while briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, noted that it was collaborating with the Ebonyi Union in the United Kingdom to resolve the issue.

Igwe said: “We are faulting the state government in its contention that it has no funds to continue the sponsorship and we feel that this would amount to wastage of resources.

“The sponsorship by the preceding administration amounts to massive investment in human development, so abandoning it would amount to serious waste.

“The present government should, at least, conclude the sponsorship of the students already studying abroad and can then foreclose subsequent sponsorships.”

According to Igwe, the situation is embarrassing to the state and the country as stakeholders have been airing the same views in the media and other sources.

“We believe in constructively seeking solutions to problems; we have met the governor on the issue and he gave us positive responses,” he said.

Igwe remarked that the organization has also engaged the government over its inability to “breakdown” the 2016 budget, as the situation would make auditing impossible.

“We held that, despite the usage of the funds for infrastructural development, due process must, however, be followed in implementing its provisions,” he said.

He noted that the organization was formed in January to find solutions to the numerous challenges facing the state since its 20 years of creation.

“We have more than 120 members from the 13 Local Government Areas of the state and membership, which is free, cuts across all sectors of national life, including the government and the private sector,” he said.

Also, Hans Offia, an official of the organization and a Commissioner at the State Independent Electoral Commission, allayed the fear of compromise on issues concerning the government.

Offia said: “We would confront every issue through constructive engagement and without bias, as we would never be seen as ‘pro or anti’ government.

“We would always stand on the right path and take every measure available to ensure transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the state’s management.”