Why EFCC should investigate Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi

The Aleibiri Youth Vanguard (AYV), is a Youth Organization committed to the development of ALEIBIRI COMMUNITY in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. We are forced to make this press Statement in the light of the activities of the impeached Deputy Governor Hon Peremobowei Ebebi. Hon Peremobowei Ebebi started his political career in 1999 when he represented the Ekeremor Constituency as a Law Maker in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He later became the Speaker twice and eventually the Deputy Governor of the State until his recent impeachment.

We the members of the Aleibiri Youth Vanguard are not happy that our brother Hon Peremobowei Ebebi has denied our Community development many development projects. He has used his privileged position to corner scores of development projects that should have benefits the entire Community. Unfortunately, we have been very careful not to react because his father is the Royal Highness of the Community. But for how long can we keep silent?

Our case against Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi is that he used his privileged position as Deputy Governor and awarded contracts running to several billions of Naira to himself and his cronies. Our investigations revealed that the impeached Deputy Governor is directly linked to the following contracts awarded to Aleibiri – his Community. We wish to place on record the following cases of conversion of Community Projects into personal benefits.

The Bayelsa State Government awarded a contract for the Dredging & Sand filing of ALEIBIRI NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT. There are allegations that Hon. Ebebi collected monies for the execution of the contract and abandoned the project. The impeached Deputy Governor is directly linked to the abandonment of the multi-billion project.

The Bayelsa State Government approved the establishment of a TECHNICAL COLLEGE for Aleibiri Community. This laudable project did not see the light of day.

Allegations are rife that Hon. Ebebi also denied the community the accomplishment of that project because the funds earmarked for the project was misappropriated.

Government provided 2 500KVA Generators for the Aleibiri Community. These facilities have been privatized at the expense of the Community. The 2 generators have been converted into personal property.

The contract to convert the Aleibiri Health Centre into a General Hospital, but the money so earmarked was embezzled. Accusing fingers are pointed at the Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi for deliberately stalling the execution of the project.

Government also awarded a contract to build a modern Secretariat Complex for the Aleibiri Local Government Headquarters, but our investigations showed that the money earmarked for the project was pocketed by Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi. He built a bungalow in place of a Secretariat. Consequently, the Chiefs and elders of the Community protested. To cover up these irregularities, Ebebi paid each of the 20 Chiefs of Aleibiri the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) to work against the opposition.

His 4 Storey Building at Aleibiri estimated at the cost of N450 million Naira
His mansion at Aleibiri estimated at the cost of N870 million Naira
One Building at Tuomo Water Front Aleibiri valued at N91Million
A mansion at Aleibiri estimated at the cost of N550million

These are some of the property he has acquired with public money. The conclusion is that Hon. Ebebi used his office to influence the award of contracts and made money through corrupt means. Most of the said contracts were awarded without due process. Through such contracts, Ebebi diverted public funds into private accounts to acquire property at the expense of the people.

We are now going the extra mile of soliciting the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate some brazen cases of corruption and prosecute such cases so that it would serve as a deterrent to other public office holders. We believe that with the timely intervention of EFCC, the State will recover part of the monies stolen Hon Peremobowei Ebebi to provide much needed infrastructure for our community. This is the plight of the Aleibiri Youth Vanguard. EFCC, Please, start the investigation now and put smiles on the faces of Aleibiri people. A stitch in time saves nine.

His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR)
His Excellency, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State
Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly
Bayelsa Elders Forum