The immediate arrest of the cook responsible for preparing the food served to widows and elders in Ebonyi State has been ordered by Governor David Umahi.
During the elders and widows’ Christmas party at State Ecumenical Center, Abakaliki, Umahi made the directive without disclosing the cook’s name, expressing his dismay at someone serving others food that they themselves would not consume.
He asserted that the police would conduct a thorough investigation of the cook and ensure the refund of the money allocated for the food preparation.
“We are, therefore, going to repeat this party as we should celebrate our fathers and mothers well. The bible enjoins us to honor our fathers and mothers so that our days would be long on the earth,” he declared.
“I want my days to be long because I have suffered from my youth. Presently that I have seen light, I want God to prolong my life so that I can partake in the miracles in Ebonyi,” he added.
For the repeat celebration, he announced that he would personally inspect the food to be served to the widows and elders.
“I have directed the deputy governor and my senior special adviser on religion and welfare matters, to make adequate preparations. The celebration must be held on December 20 or 21 as anyone who takes what belongs to this category of people is taking trouble,” he stated.
The governor also expressed disappointment over the low-quality wrappers provided to the widows and elders, insisting that the suppliers should be ready to deliver 10,000 highest quality wrappers.
He urged parents to instill good morals in their children to combat the social vices prevalent in the country, particularly in the south-east zone.