₦airaland Forum

Gov. Ugwuanyi receives Whitemoney, confers him with “Ambassador of Enugu State in Creative Arts”

BBN winner: I remain the cook I am; I am grateful to my governor, Enugu people, all my supporters

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, hosted the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBN) Season 6 edition (Shine Ya Eye), Mazi Hazel Oyeze Onoduenyi, an illustrious son of the state, popularly known as Whitemoney, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Enugu, commending him for his uncommon love, humility and Godliness and consistency with the Enugu spirit, which he said endeared him to his Housemates and the viewing public.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who appreciated God's grace on the Big Brother Naija winner, described him as “a worthy son of Enugu State, truly representative of the humility, talent, industry, ambition, and Godliness of a true Enugu youth, saying: “I therefore call on the teeming Enugu youths to deploy their creative talents and skills to win more laurels for the state”.

Conferring Whitemoney with the status of “Ambassador of Enugu State in Creative Arts”, Gov. Ugwuanyi who described the crown he brought home as “most deserving”, urged him to feel good about his accomplishment which he truly earned, saying: “We are very proud of you and wish you many more successes”.

Jokingly, the governor said: “In a lighter mood Mr. Whitemoney, Ndi Enugu who followed your activities in the House observed that you spent most of your time in the Kitchen. While we do not claim to know the meaning, we however decided to provide enough food for dinner as we do not wish to see you visiting the kitchen tonight”.

Responding, the elated Whitemoney who declared that “God’s grace located me abundantly”, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the great honour and warm reception.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu State and all those who supported him while in the House and promised to uphold “the good things we started from the House”.

His words: “Mazi never changed; I am still cooking; I have not changed; the level has changed but I have not changed; I am still the same person.

“Thank you so much Your Excellency; Daddy I am grateful and I promise to serve this state with all my heart; with my best capacity to do what is right for the Enugu youth empowerment and growth of the community at large.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Secretary to the State Government and Director General of South East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, other members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisers to the Governor, Accountant General, Enugu State, Remigius Odoh, Heads of Boards, Agencies and Parastatals, Hon. Barr. Kate Nnamani, BB Naija winner’s ex-House Mates, Niyi Lawal and Emmanuel Umoh, among others.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Jubilant members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Enugu State led by their National President, Comrade Ambali Olatunji, trooped out in their numbers to the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, to thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for restoring Plot P/23CA, Independence Layout, Enugu, to NUGLE, after it was discovered that the said land was purportedly revoked without the governor’s approval pursuant to the Land Use Act. 

The local government workers, who took to their dance steps, expressed immense gratitude to Gov. Ugwuanyi for wiping out their tears over “our ordeals under the immediate past Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development”, stressing that the governor has “really gotten us out from the state of hopelessness”.

Similarly, the people of Emene Nike Autonomous Community led by the Traditional Ruler, HRH Igwe Felix Ugwu, also paid a Thank-you visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi for equally restoring their land which was purportedly acquired without the knowledge and approval of the governor. 

Earlier in his remarks, the new Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh disclosed that on assumption of office he was shocked to discover, after thorough investigation, that the purported revocation of the NULGE land was done without the knowledge and approval of the governor pursuant to the Land Use Act.

Speaking further the Commissioner said: “Your Excellency, you will recall that a few weeks ago, the Department of State Service (DSS) knowing how much you have invested in terms of time, efforts and resources to ensure a peaceful Enugu State had alerted you of a crisis that was brewing in the State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development over the purported revocation of Plot P23CA Independence Layout, Enugu belonging to Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). 

“Your Excellency, as you were digesting this important report from a trusted partner in the security of the state, the DSS, members of the Enugu State House of Assembly after their investigation further alerted you of this crisis and the injustice that was done.

“Your Excellency, you ordered immediately a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to this very big aberration in the process of your governance. 

“After the whole investigation, it was clearly established that you (Ugwuanyi) did not even know neither was your permission and approval sought in line with the requirements of the Land Use Act before the revocation was done.

“When you called for this file on my assumption of office, we did a complete review and we discovered that even the processes of revocation were not even contained in this file which was a deliberate process to ensure that not even the staff of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development could see this and alert you. 

“So it was the fact that you didn’t have knowledge of this that allowed this matter drag to this extent.

“Your Excellency, in your determination to always ensure that justice, due process and the process of governance protect the least people of the state, you directed immediately that we should reverse this purported revocation." 

Speaking on behalf of NULGE, the National President, Comrade Olatunji, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria” and “the ray of hope in the South East”, told the governor that the workers were happy and excited at such rare decision.

Comrade Olatunji recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi had displayed similar support and solidarity with NULGE during the LG Autonomy rally, pointing out that such disposition was a proof that the governor believes strongly in the struggle and betterment of rural dwellers in particular and Nigeria in general. 

“Your Excellency, you believe in your people; you believe in the betterment of rural dwellers; you believe in a better Nigeria and you believe that there must be quality education, quality healthcare delivery system, good road network, potable water supply to the rural dwellers because that is the basis and pillar of governance”, the labour leader said.    

The National President went further to appreciate Gov. Ugwuanyi for his courageous spirit in restoring the land to NULGE, stating that some leaders would not take such decision because of pride. 

According to him, “you (Ugwuanyi) stand out tall to be a man who believes in justice, who believes in fairness, who believes that what is right is right and you have asserted authority because we have only one governor. One or ten Commissioners are not up to a governor.

“So, a governor is a governor and you have demonstrated that you are in charge. You have also demonstrated that you are a lover of local government people. My people asked me to thank you." 

In their separate goodwill messages, the State Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and Comrade Ben Asogwa respectively commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his prompt intervention on the NULGE land matter and for other labour-friendly programmes in the state.

Thanking Gov. Ugwuanyi for the numerous development projects his administration has executed in Emene community and its environs, the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Ugwu, who revealed how he collapsed after signing the land acquisition documents, said that he was sure that the governor was not aware of the purported acquisition and does not take people’s land by force. 

“Your Excellency, remember you called me one night that I should start sleeping. So I started sleeping until last week your new Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chidi Aroh, called me to come to his office where he told me that the government is reviewing the letter of acquisition. 

“The rest is now history. On Tuesday, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development called me and gave me a letter of reversion. Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi) we have come to thank you. God will be with you in all that you do. We are grateful," Igwe Ugwu said.

The two events were witnessed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prof. Malachy Okwueze and the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogbonna, NULGE National Vice President, South East, Comrade Patrick Igwe, among others.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has restored Plot No. P/23CA Independence Layout, Enugu, which was purportedly revoked without the governor’s approval pursuant to the Land Use Act, to the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) “in line with Allocation Reference No. LEN 29329/4 of 21st January 2011”. 


The restoration of the land to NULGE was contained in a letter to the union’s state president by the new Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, dated November 16, 2021.


Aroh disclosed that the action of the Ministry came after “we have carefully reviewed the protest from your organization (NULGE) and other affiliate bodies namely the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)”. 


The Commissioner maintained that the purported revocation of the said land was done without the approval of the governor pursuant to the Land Use Act.


Aroh therefore stated that the State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development with the approval of Gov. Ugwuanyi “pursuant to the Land Use Act and contained in a letter reference No.GHS/56/LXIX/246 dated 11th November 2021, do hereby cancel and nullify any previous revocation of Plot No P/23CA Independence Layout, Enugu, having been done without the approval of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State”. 


The statement added that “the organization (NULGE) is therefore required to complete all processes of regularization and commence development immediately in line with extant laws and regulations”.


In a similar development, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Aroh, in a letter to HRH Igwe F.O Ugwu of Emene Nike Community, dated November 16, 2021, notified him of the state government’s cancellation and nullification of the Notice of Acquisition issued to Emene Community reference No. LEN 39902/2, covering 197.8 Hectares, shown in Survey Plan No. EN (E) 2802. 


Aroh pointed out that the Ministry’s decision has the approval of the governor pursuant to the Land Use Act contained in letter reference No. GHS/56/LXIX/293 of 11th November 2021.


“Subsequently, all rights and interests in the above described land revert to the Emene Community as was existing before the purported acquisition, which was done without the approval of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as required by the extant law”, the commissioner said.


#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

…Donates initial upkeep fund to mother of six

…Assures her of justice

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the woman, Mrs. Augustina Ifebuchechukwu Eze, whose 7-year-old son was allegedly killed by her husband, Chidi Onyishi, for money ritual that the state government will do everything within its power to ensure that she and her children do not suffer.

Speaking when he led a delegation from Gov. Ugwuanyi to commiserate with the mourning woman and her children, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo stated that the state government will stand vigorously behind them to overcome the shock and mitigate their suffering.

Oruruo who disclosed that the governor was saddened by the news of the unfortunate incident, condoled with the woman and her children and prayed for the repose of the slain child’s soul, stressing that the act perpetrated by the father of six (her husband) was “unimaginable and unthinkable by all standards".

Consoling Mrs. Eze and her children, Oruruo who presented Gov. Ugwuanyi’s initial cash donation to them for interim upkeep said: “We want to reassure you that the state government will stand vigorously behind you and mitigate the suffering of your kids and contribute immensely to your recovery from this shock.

“And it is the wish of the government to use all legal means to ensure that there is diligent investigation and that the course of justice cannot be subverted. The government is poised not to allow it to be truncated.

“Everything that needs to be done will be done by Enugu State government to ensure that you find justice and overcome this challenge.

“Our governor is a good-minded person who is interested in your wellbeing and that of your children. So he has sent us to come and commiserate with you and reassure you that you will not stand alone. Government will be with you and will give you support as we pray that God will give you stronger reason to find comfort.

“The governor has delivered the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000.00) to you and your kids in the interim and every other thing that should be done will be done and this interface will continue between you and the state government to ensure that you and your children are comfortable”.

Responding, Mrs. Eze, who said she was speechless at Gov. Ugwuanyi’s gesture, thanked the governor for his compassion and benevolence, explaining that she is still in shock over her son’s sudden death.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The embattled former commissioner for Lands in Enugu state, Dr. Victor Nnam, who recently resigned his appointment, has disowned a property marked for demolition by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA.

The ECTDA had last week pasted notice for demolition of a duplex located at Diamond Estate in the coal city for none compliance to building approvals.

But Nnam in an interview with our reporter said he was not the owner of the property, stating that ascribing his name to the property would have been a mistake by the ECTDA.

Nnam said: “The property does not belong to me in the first place. The property belongs to one surveyor, but what brought about this is that they wrote the notice in my name and pasted it in a house that does not belong to me.

“A tenant living there said that when the Capital Territory came and pasted the order, he snapped it and sent it to me because the notice is there with my name and that was why he sent it to me and I told him that I don’t know anything about it.

“This is a normal Capital Territory routine but I am meant to believe that the guy has sent to them the approvals because he has all the approvals. Maybe they want to check if the building has apporoval or maybe they want to check if I am the owner of the building but I have good relationship with the Capital Territory and I know that the Chairman of Capital Territory does his job with diligence and I have advised the owner of the building to furnish him with all the payments and approvals.”

Nnam said it was because his name currently trends in Enugu state that probably brought him in contact with the property. He stressed that the property does not belong to him, insinuating that it was possible that somebody misled the agency into connecting him with the building.

Chairman of ECTDA, Dr. Josef Onoh however said that the agency is apolitical and does not engage in vindictiveness, stating that the notices were normal routine work of the agency.

Onoh said: “We are not interested in the owner or whoever. Our own is a general review, a periodic review and enforcement of development control. That people have built house and are living in them does not stop development control. We usually go back for review to ensure the house was built to standards.

“Our control measure is not only limited to that house, it’s just that some people are now trying to politicise it and cheap bloggers trying to use the opportunity to sell their blogs with misinformation to the general public.”

He added that the agency recognizes that Nnam is a former commissioner who deserves courtesy, stating that a notice does not necessarily mean outright demolition but a step towards remedying whatever lapses that a developer may have.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is collaborating with an indigenous engineering firm, Fordmarx Nigeria Limited and its foreign partner, Lorentz Germany, to organize a two-week free training programme on sustainable water technology for graduate Engineers and Technologists in the South East geo-political zone.


According to a statement by the Managing Director of Fordmarx Nigeria Limited, Dr. Clifford Nnaji, the two-week free training tagged: “Train the Trainer/Capacity Building Programme on Sustainable Water Technology” will focus on borehole drilling, water treatment and plant, renewable energy, irrigation and fire fighting/fire hydrant.


Fordmarx Nigeria Limited is currently handling the comprehensive rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme in Enugu State being executed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, after over 30 years since the water project was abandoned in the state. 


The water scheme which involves the rehabilitation and conversion of 13 industrial boreholes to solar power to ensure availability and sustainability of water reticulation to Enugu metropolis is over 90 percent completed.


Dr. Nnaji in the statement disclosed that the training which is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of giving back to the society, will hold from November 23 to December 3, 2021 at The Base Event Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu State, from 8am to 5pm daily. 


He added that the training will equip candidates with required skills in the areas of focus, stating that eligible candidates for the programme must be between the age of 18 and 35 years with a minimum qualification of National Diploma (ND) in the field of engineering and other related courses.


Revealing that the participants will be issued certificates at the end of the training programme “which will enable them to work within the industry”, the Managing Director advised interested candidates to send their detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to: Capacitybuildingcsr@fordmarx.com and WhatsApp: 08129145613 for further inquiries.


He further added that “Logistics shall be provided during the period of the training”.


#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The Bishop of Nike Diocese (Anglican Communion), Enugu, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyeka Onyia, his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Prof. Evans Ibeagha (Rtd.) and the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese (Anglican Communion), Taraba State, Rt. Rev. Foreman Nedison, on Sunday commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the respect he accords God at all times as well as the peace being enjoyed in Enugu State under his leadership.

The clerics made the commendation when Gov. Ugwuanyi attended the Thanksgiving Service of The Cathedral Church of St. Cyprian, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, which witnessed the installation of Hon. Justice Harold Obiajunwa Eya of the Enugu State High Court as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion).

The Bishops in their separate prayers for the governor asked God to continue to bless, guide and protect him to successfully complete his tenure in grand style, stressing that the peace he has entrenched in Enugu State is highly treasured by the church and residents of the state.

In his remarks, the Bishop of Nike Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Onyia pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi, who entered the church unannounced, respects God, saying: “When the message was ongoing, our governor quietly walked in and sat down unlike others who will make noise and distract the church sermon”.

Applauding the governor’s exemplary leadership and disposition to God, Bishop Onyia urged him to keep it up as “the Lord will continue to uplift you in your future endeavours”.

On his part, the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Nedison, prayed to God that “you (Ugwuanyi) will end your tenure successfully and in grand style and be lifted up to the glory of God”.

Appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi “for the peace we enjoy in Enugu State”, the immediate past Bishop of Nike Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Ibeagha, prayed fervently that the peace the state is enjoying presently will continue to be enjoyed after the governor’s tenure.

He thanked the governor for attending the event in spite of his tight schedule, stressing it was an indication that he respects and honours God.

Speaking, Hon. Justice Eya expressed gratitude to God for his successful installation as Chancellor of Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion), saddled with the responsibility of handling all legal issues concerning the Diocese.

The Jurist thanked the Bishop and leaders of the Diocese for finding him worthy to serve the church and went further to appreciate Gov. Ugwuanyi for the immeasurable solidarity he has always shown to him and his family.

“Thank you all for honouring us today. We are overwhelmed with joy to see all of you here”, the new Chancellor said while pledging to work with the legal team of the Diocese to discharge their responsibilities diligently and to the satisfaction of the church.

Dignitaries at the religious event include the former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Agbo, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Alex Ugwu, Chairman, Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Romanus Odo, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu and the representative of Prince Hon. Cornelius Nnaji (member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency), Barr. Dr. Peter Chidera Aneke.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Projects: Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates his administration’s commitment to start-to-finish policy

...Inaugurates 2.85km road

…Inspects first Enugu State govt’s flyover bridge

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Thursday, inaugurated the 2.85km Last Bus-Stop (Abakpa Nike)-Nkwo Nike Junction Road in Enugu East Local Government Area newly reconstructed by his administration to strategically divert traffic from the ongoing construction of the first Enugu State government’s flyover bridge at T-junction, Nike Lake Road.

Inaugurating the road amid jubilation from residents, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the infrastructure was deliberately conceived and executed by his administration to ease the traffic congestion in the area occasioned by the ongoing flyover bridge project.

The governor added that the project was also in keeping with the state government's concerted efforts to revitalise parts of Enugu metropolis, facilitate investments, inspire private developments, stimulate economic growth and reinvigorate the urban renewal initiative.

He explained that the road cuts across over eight communities in Enugu East LGA and was redesigned and reconstructed to standard single carriage way of 7.3m width with 2.5m wide shoulders on either side, concrete lined drains and five number culverts superbly delivered on a target six month completion period, “typical of our administration’s policy of Start-To-Finish”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who on arrival inspected the ongoing massive construction works at the T-junction flyover bridge, Nike Lake Road, with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji and Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Alex Ugwu, among others, pointed out that his administration has executed numerous road projects within the council area totaling 67km.

He added that the road projects include the Nike Lake Junction – Harmony Estate – Adoration Pilgrimage Centre- Orie Emene Road, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) VOR/DME (Aviation) road, Emene, the Penoks - Abakpa Nike-Nike Lake Road, the Airport Road Roundabout-Old Orie Emene-Eke Obinagu Road, among others.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who commended the construction company that handled the Last Bus-Stop- Nkwo Nike Junction bypass road, Eketeson Resources International Limited “for timeous delivery and in keeping with the design specifications, also appreciated the effective supervision of the project by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

His words: “In Enugu State, we continue to celebrate the unceasing grace of Almighty God which underlie our modest achievements in governance and service delivery to our people especially in these difficult times.

“The faithfulness of God and the fidelity of His love have been the wind beneath our wings. The peace we enjoy, your unwavering support and solidarity have spurred our accomplishments for which we are profoundly grateful.

“Our administration shall continue to prioritize those projects that ameliorate the living standard of our people and stimulate economic growth.

“I urge all users of this new road to own and protect this key infrastructural asset while observing road traffic safety protocol”.

In their separate speeches, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ubosi, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Nnaji, the Council Chairman, Hon. Ugwu, and the project Contractor, Chief Dr. Donald Ekete, who are all indigenes of Enugu East LGA, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his special interventions and numerous projects his administration has executed in the council area, reassuring him of the people’s prayers and support.

They said that the project was a dream come true for their people and appreciated God and the governor for making it a reality.

Dignitaries at the event include the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu (Rtd.), the member representing Nsukka East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, his Nkanu West counterpart, Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Member 1, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, former Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Mathias Anike, the Spiritual Director, Okunerere Adoration Ministry (OKAM), Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Obayi, representative of Prince Arthur Eze, Chief Barr. Tagbo Ike, Traditional Rulers, youth and women groups, among others.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

...Upgrades Survey Dept to Extra-Ministerial Dept

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved the appointment of Surveyor Dr. Augustine S. Didigwu as the Surveyor-General and Head of the state's Survey Department.

The appointment was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh.

Aroh disclosed that Surveyor Didigwu, until his new appointment, was the Head of Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, since 2018.

The Information Commissioner added that the newly appointed Surveyor-General is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors, Enugu State branch, from 2017 till date.

Aroh recalled that the State Executive Council at its 9th Executive Council meeting held on Friday, July 17, 2020 approved the upgrading of the Survey Department to an Extra-Ministerial Department, stressing that Gov. Ugwuanyi "believes that Surveyor Didigwu, Bs.c, Ms.c, Ph.D, will bring his known professionalism to bear on his new assignment

Workers in Enugu State have reacted to the resignation of the Commissioner for Lands, Victor Nnam, declaring he must face justice.

This was contained in a statement by the organised labour signed by Virginus Nwobodo and Ben Asogwa of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Enugu State Councils, respectively.

Nnam resigned his appointment at the weekend.

Reacting to the development, the workers said the reasons he gave were far from the truth, claiming he was already under investigation and was trying to escape the long arm of the law.

They said in the statement: “The ministry of lands under the former commissioner revoked the land belonging to members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE) Enugu State, re-parcelled the land and consequently re-allocated same to another set of owners. All the local government workers affected by this action are still counting their losses.

“The commissioner also revoked plots of land belonging to a body of health workers in ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu (mostly medical doctors) and all attempts to recover the property have repeatedly been truncated by the former commissioner and his team.

“The ministry under the former commissioner has made a lot of residents, including workers, to lose the plots of land they bought with their hard earned and lean income.

“Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Enugu State Councils, under the chairmanship of Nwobodo and Asogwa, respectively, expressed disappointment on the level of decay in the ministry and plead with the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to ensure the next person to occupy the office must be humble, approachable, Godly and law-abiding in the discharge of his duties. The people of Enugu State cannot afford to work with another arrogant and unfriendly commissioner in the ministry.”

Similarly, NULGE, in a statement by its president in the State, Kenneth Ugwueze, urged the security agencies to conclude ongoing investigations on the activities of the former commissioner and ensure his trial.

“As a responsible and responsive union, we controlled the anger of our members who were ready for showdown considering the current fragile security environment and resorted to a civil approach through a report to the security agencies in the state…

“While the security agencies were still investigating and making their preliminary reports, the commissioner hurriedly tendered his resignation letter to avert his sack since his guilty conscience was already staring him in the face, claiming to be in hospital.

“It is ridiculous for the commissioner to write such a letter of resignation when investigation is ongoing and those his senior officers were only redeployed to give way for proper investigation of his ministry which has been on public domain, including but not limited to several invitations by the state House of Assembly.

“We, therefore, cry out that the investigation by the security agencies be concluded so that justice will be done.”

Former President of the Senate, Senator Iyorchia Ayu from Benue State emerges the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after he was duly elected by the delegates of the Party.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his colleagues elected on the platform of the PDP were on ground to witness the announcement of the elective convention results in solidarity with Senator Ayu and other newly elected National Officers of the Party.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hosts Enugu State delegates in Abuja, ahead of Saturday's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention, as former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo commends Gov. Ugwuanyi for the leadership role he played in spearheading a popular zoning arrangement that ushered in a democratic process leading to a smooth and peaceful convention of the party tomorrow; while Senator Ike Ekweremadu thanks the governor and his colleagues elected on the platform of the PDP for holding forth for the party in the absence of a PDP President.

Hon. Ndubuisi Eneh (Chobby) thanks and assures the leader of the PDP in Enugu State, Gov. Ugwuanyi and other PDP members of his loyalty and commitment to the progress of the Party, after Enugu delegates endorse him as the concensus candidate from the state for the Office of the Deputy National Treasurer in tomorrow's convention.