₦airaland Forum

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, after a closed-door meeting with Heads of Security Agencies in the state at the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, proceeded with the security chiefs to some forests and escape routes of the yet-to-be identified gunmen, across four local government areas, where they took on-the-spot far reaching decisions aimed at tackling the challenges squarely.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Ugwuanyi, PDP BOT members deliberate on national issues, way forward.

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Wednesday, held a closed-door meeting with members of the Board of Trustees (#BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP) led by the Chairman, Senator Walid Jubrin, at the Government House, Enugu.

The meeting, which lasted for four hours, was also attended by other notable members of the PDP Board of Trustees, such as the former President of the Senate, Sen. Adolphus Wabara; former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; Sen. Stella Omu; Chief Rex Onyeabo; Hon. Garba Shehu; Mrs. Laurentia Mallam and Amb. Justina Eze.

Others at the meeting are Amb. Fidelia Njeze; Hajia Hassana Dikko; Sen. Ngiji Ngele and Prof. Adewale Oladipo.

Briefing newsmen after the closed-door meeting, Senator Wabara, who spoke on behalf of the BOT Chairman, Senator Jubrin, said that the deliberation was “very successful”.

He disclosed that they “discussed national issues and the way forward for the peace and unity of the country”.

The PDP BOT Chairman, Senator Jubrin, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a “frank, sincere and simple man”, commended the governor for promoting peace, national integration and unity in Enugu State and beyond.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State receives members of the Board of Trustees (#BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP), led by the Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, at the Government House, Enugu.

The PDP BOT members are in Enugu, on official engagement, aimed at further strengthening the Party nationally, for the challenges ahead.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Monday, advanced his administration’s concerted efforts in developing the rural communities through the deployment of government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen of the state to create wealth, enjoy democracy dividends and live a healthy life.

Besides numerous infrastructural projects across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has embarked on sports development at the grassroots to discover and nurture young talents for job creation, socialisation and unification, as well as economic emancipation.

Consequently, the governor in keeping with this vision and the commitment to promote recreational and sporting activities, among other numerous development projects, inaugurated a standard-double Lawn Tennis Court, at Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area Stadium, Ogrute, Enugu Ezike.

Inaugurating the sports facility, Gov. Ugwuanyi, represented by his Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation (PDI), Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) MaryRose Obiageli Abba, described sports as an important social phenomenon in all levels of modern society that has the ability to socialize, unify, "prevent and reduce a large number of diseases as it is the most important means of enhancing human health, physical development and improvement".

The governor, who pointed out that Tennis is one of the most popular recreational and sporting activities in modern society, added that "it has evolved into a game for all people of a variety of cultures, socio-economic levels and ages as it is a leisure-time activity with a huge health and emotional benefits as well as income generation".

Gov. Ugwuanyi revealed that his administration has constructed some rural roads, the municipal road in Ogrute, Enugu Ezike and other vital projects in Igbo-Eze North LGA, including the ongoing Amenity Hospital project, which he performed the foundation laying ceremony recently.

"You are now witnesses to the serious commitment and the faithfulness which my administration has employed in fulfilling these promises", the governor told the elated stakeholders and royal fathers of Igbo-Eze North LGA, who came out en masse to witness the event.

Gov. Ugwuanyi commended his Special Adviser on PDI, Engr. Abba, for the promptness and financial prudence her office displayed in executing the project. He equally thanked the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Engr. Ejike Itodo, the LG Executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the people of the council area for their support and cooperation, saying that "it is expected that the maintenance, safety and security of the sports facility installed in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area is assured".

In his speech, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Engr. Itodo, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for initiating the sports facility among other infrastructural projects his administration has executed in the council area.

Engr. Itodo who reeled out the socio-economic and health benefits of the facility to the people of Igbo-Eze North LGA, stressed that governor’s decision to promote sporting activities in the rural areas is a welcome development.

"We have other numerous projects our peace-loving and development-oriented governor initiated on his own volition in our council area. His Excellency was the person that initiated the Amenity Hospital project going on at Ogrute General Hospital. He was the one that also initiated the Cottage Hospital with Isolation wing at the General Hospital. On his own, our people's governor initiated the construction/rehabilitation of Ogrute municipal roads up to the Local Government Headquarters and the project is 100 percent completed. He equally initiated and constructed two water borehole projects in our markets.

"Our governor is a sports lover and the importance of this standard-double sports facility to our health and sports development is overwhelming, and we can't thank him enough".

Other speakers at the event such as the member representing Igbo-Eze North Constituency (II), Hon. Innocent Ugwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Kentus Eze, the PDP LG Chairman, Hon. Alexander Uramah, the SSA to the Governor, Hon. Chidi Nwomeh, former Council Chairman, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja, HRH Igwe Wilfred Ogbonnaya Ekere, etc, all thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s special interest in developing the rural communities of the state through development projects and programmes that impact the lives of the dwellers positively, maintaining that the people of Igbo-Eze North LGA have benefitted immensely and will remain indebted to him.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

The National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP) in the South East, Chief Ali Odefa, formally presents the Party's Candidate for the November 6 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, to #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State and leader of the PDP in the South East, at the Government House, Enugu, on Friday.

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and other PDP faithful witnessed the event.

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has ordered all bystanders, hawkers, highway traders and petroleum tankers at Eke Obinagu, along Enugu-Abakaliki-Cameroon highway to vacate all sides of the Trans-African highway within 14 days or face its wrath of demolition and prosecution.

The Eke-Obinagu road market has in the recent time brought about perennial traffic congestion, made worse with the menace of petroleum tankers and which in several cases resulted to road crashes, including the recent death of the Ebonyi state commissioner for Infrastructure, Engr. Fidelis Nweze.

Chairman of ECTDA, Denge Josef Onoh said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, after so much effort at controlling traffic at the Eke-Obinagu/ NNPC axis ordered the ECTDA to ensure that the market traders relocate to their designated and developed market adjacent to the NNPC depot which he said they left unoccupied but came out to the road.

He lamented that Governor Ugwuanyi as a sitting governor had on occasions personally come down and decongested traffic at the menaced Eke-Obinagu/NNPC junction which he said was embarrassing, yet the illegal road occupiers failed to reciprocate his concern in the area.

Onoh further disclosed that his agency has made arrangements for relocation of all NNPC depot tankers and auto mechanics who have occupied the two sides of the Trans-African highway so as to ease traffic and save lives at the congested area.

Onoh stated that in line with the agency’s development control mandate, he, in company of the traditional ruler, the Surveyor General of the state, House of Assembly member Hon Hillary Ugwu; Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Transport, Ogbonna Idike and Governor Ugwuanyi’s aides visited Eke-Obinagu, Emene and Abakpa crowded areas where they resented to the impunity violations of city development control in the guise of trading along major streets in the areas

He extended his eviction notice to the remnant traders at the former Oye-Emene market and every street trader along Amuri road, Taxaco and liberty bus stops and all other hawkers along Nike road in Abakpa area of the metropolis.

“In the events of these therefore, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority hereby gives all illegal markets and shanties that have dominated the Eke-Obinagu/NNPC way 14 days from now to relocate as demolition of the 216 illegal structures, makeshift markets and shanties that have defaced that entire environment and have increased robbery, drug abuse, making it difficult for people with genuine business to move freely. After 14 days, the ECTDA will commence immediate and total demolition of that entire area,” Onoh said

He stated that any form of disobedience or resistance will be met with superior force and urged the illegal occupiers of the affected places to comply with the directive.

“Anybody that fails to comply does that at his own risk as it is even stated in Romans 13, verse 2 and in verse 59 of Surah An-Nisa in the Quran. They are to move to an already existing Eke-Obinagu market close to them that has been left fallow for years. They refused to go there because they want to trade on the road and on public drainages bringing about flooding in the area.

“The same goes to all the illegal shanties and structures along the Rehab road at the former Oye-Emene which will all be demolished. I kindly urge those affected by these activities to quietly and respectively move or they will be moved by force,” Onoh notified.

On the nuisance at Abakpa, the ECTDA boss said that further demolition will affect all structures built along transmission lines; illegal markets and motor parks built in the area that have turned Abakpa from a well planned city into a slum. We will start from NOWAS junction into Abakpa.

Any bus operating in illegal packs will be impounded, chopped, recycled and sold as scrap metal. All these notices are within 14 days because the past administrations since 1999 had given them notices. We will also continue enforcement in the various layouts that collectively form the Enugu city master plan.

“I assure the good people of Enugu state that Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority will not fail to bring sanity and ensure that Enugu maintains its glory and serenity. To all defaulters I assure them that demolition continues until sanity is restored and I owe no one apology,” Onoh said.NEWSEnugu govt gives 14 days eviction notice to Eke-Obinagu market traders, NNPC tankers

Immigration boss, others hail Ugwuanyi on peace, development, support to security agencies

…As new State Comptroller, Ground Training Command’s Air Officer, Controller of Correctional Service, visit governor

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, has expressed delight at #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi’s “robust, proactive and transformational governance evidenced by the prevalence of unprecedented peace, security and progress across the length and breadth of the state”.

Babandede who spoke through the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Enugu State Command, Joachim Olumba, who paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, #Enugu, on Monday, commended the governor’s remarkable support to all security agencies in the state.

Olumba who assumed office recently as the Enugu State Command’s Comptroller, was at the Government House, Enugu, to formally introduce himself and his team to Gov. Ugwuanyi.

The Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Nigeria Air Force, Enugu, Air Vice Marshal Frank Goodnews Okparah, and the Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, Godwin Onokohwomomo, who also assumed offices recently, were equally at the Government House Enugu separately, to formally introduce themselves to the governor.

The State Comptroller of Immigration informed the governor that “the Comptroller General has mandated me to express his profound compliments and appreciation to Your Excellency on your unprecedented accomplishments in office as well as your remarkable support to all security agencies in the state”.

Olumba commended Gov. Ugwuanyi on his administration’s impactful rural development agenda as well as his uncommon leadership qualities, describing the governor as humble, simple, proactive and a team leader.

On his part, the Air Vice Marshal Okparah, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a friend to the Nigerian Air Force, appreciated him for the partnership and the immense support his administration has been rendering to the Air Force as well as the existing peace in Enugu State.

In his address, the State Comptroller of Corrections equally applauded the governor’s resilience and assistance to the Command and other security agencies in the state, saying: “Since I assumed office, I have acquainted myself through records, with your numerous interventions and contributions to the Correctional Service especially in the areas of security and welfare of staff and inmates”.

Stressing that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration has placed the Nigeria Correctional Service in the front burner, Onokohwomomo, on behalf of the officers, men and inmates of the Service thanked the governor for his “kind gestures and unrelenting efforts towards a better and more efficient and effective service delivery in the state”.

According to the State Comptroller of Immigration, “Your Excellency, as a devout Christian, I cannot agree less with your administration’s emphasis that ‘Enugu State is in the Hands of God’.

“It is on good record that before the recent disruptions and distortions to the considerable peace and security pervading the South East region, Enugu State enjoyed the indisputable reputation as the safest and most peaceful state in the country.

“This has not changed significantly even in the face of recent highly condemnable activities of some armed bandits across the South East of Nigeria.

“Within my short stay since assumption of office as State Comptroller of Immigration, I have observed that Enugu State is thriving under your dynamic and focused leadership.

“Undoubtedly, Ndi Enugu are enjoying unprecedented peace and safety with an accompaniment of stupendous rural transformation and development in every sector, all of which are manifestation of your proactive governance strategies and infectious sense of humility, simplicity and team spirit”.

Enumerating the core responsibilities of the agency in policing the nation’s air, sea and land borders as well as controlling and monitoring of foreigners/migrants in Nigeria, the State Comptroller of Immigration Service assured Gov. Ugwuanyi that “my leadership will be relentless in the discharge of our onerous statutory duties in collaboration with other security agencies to make the state safer for all”.

Olumba therefore solicited further support and goodwill of the state government as well as the cooperation of the people of the state especially the traditional rulers, community and religious leaders and landlords, among others, through provision of information about foreigners/migrants within their domain to enable the agency monitor them more closely.

In his separate responses, Gov. Ugwuanyi formally welcomed Olumba, Air Vice Marshal Okparah and Onokohwomomo to Enugu State and congratulated them on their new feats.

The governor assured them that his administration will continue to support and cooperate with their agencies in actualizing their mandate for the progress of the state, and security and wellbeing of residents.

Enugu govt builds 750 houses for civil servants in partnership with Real Estate Developers, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inspects site

#Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, on Friday, inspected the ongoing Coal City View Satellite Estate project in Enugu being constructed for civil servants by the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) in partnership with Alpha Mead Development Company, Mahfas Group and AG Mortgage Bank.

The housing project, which is located at the proximity of New Market Bridge, Enugu by Ugwu Onyeama, comprises 750 units combination of One-bedroom, Two-bedroom and Three-bedroom bungalows with a prolonged repayment package for civil servants.

Gov. Ugwuanyi was led round the ongoing projects by the General Manager of ESHDC, Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu, the Chairman of Alpha Mead Development Company, Mr. Mutiu Summonu, the Group Managing Director of Mahfas Group, Alhaji Sule Salau and the Managing Director of AG Mortgage Bank, Ngozi Anyaogu, among others including the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo and his Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Benneth Asogwa.

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has restored roads and streets in the capital city that were previously hijacked by traders and artisans who converted them to illegal shops and mechanic workshops.

The Agency in a development control activity at Reno layout, Emene Enugu, Enugu, on Thursday, demolished over 150 illegal market shops, zinc shanties, fences, mechanic workshops, warehouses, factories in residential areas and restored the city’s master plan.

Chairman of the ECTDA, Dr. Josef Onoh said that the affected persons were given over one year notice to vacate the converted streets but were recalcitrant, hence the enforcement of the development control activity.

Onoh stated that the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was so compassionate that it motivates and supports growth of small scale businesses, but not at the detriment of the capital city development plan.

He noted that ECTDA does not have any business with land acquisition or annexation in clearing the shanties but was in line with the general public notice in the national media on December 31 2020, where the agency notified that it shall carry out general development control activities in all nooks and cranny of the capital territory.

“Development control in any civilized society is a continuous exercise in order that human beings will live in a serene environment and enjoy the liberties enshrined unto them by the law. These exercises are deemed necessary to ensure that those liberties are not breached; hence the Capital Territory will continue onward demolition of illegal structures until sanity is restored.

“We are now using this exercise to notify all people within the capital territory who have converted their fences to illegal shops, mini stores and containers that the development control exercise will still reach them and so we are now giving them the final warming to remove these illegal structures because the agency is now back in full force to sanitize the city, Onoh said.

He disclosed that Governor Ugwuanyi was infuriated at the rate visitors find it difficult to access the city from major entrances, hence his intervention at New market with a promise to extend to other entrance points.

“We will carry on our enforcement to ensure that the remaining traders at the electrical section in Kenyatta are moved to the new Kenyetta by force if they will not move peacefully. They have run out of all excuses. The same will affect the Orie-Emene traders because the ECDTA is coming there, at Abakpa and most especially the Mayor Street traders who are on the roads and these things do not fit into Ugwuanyi’s urban master plan. .

“These offenders have taken our leniency and kindness for granted and we shall actually ensure that they all comply because they are not animals. We are unapologetic of any demolition being executed which is for the greater benefit of everybody in Enugu,” Onoh stated.

…Deforestation endangers undulating road, natural ecosystem, others

Enugu State Government has issued a final warning to all those involved in the unlawful logging and deforestation activities around the popular #Milliken Hill, in Ngwo, #Enugu North Local #Government Area of the state, to desist from such illegal acts or be ready to face the consequences.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the state government expressed deep concern over what it described as “unabating, deliberate and wicked logging in and around the Milliken Hill”.

Aroh disclosed that “all relevant Government Agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Forest Guards, have been mandated as a matter of urgency to clamp down on all such activities and bring the perpetrators to justice”.

The Information Commissioner explained that the nefarious activities have “continued to negatively affect the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and climate of the area and put the Milliken Hill Road at risk”.

He recalled the state government had previously warned against the unlawful activities “and indeed invited the press on a tour of Milliken Hill, to bring to public notice, the threat these illegal and senseless acts of a few, have brought, not just to the environment but also to the stability and sustenance of the Milliken Hill Road”.

While reiterating the state government’s unwavering commitment to protection of the environment and all infrastructure in the state, Aroh enjoined all well-meaning members of the public “to assist in the arrest/apprehension of these miscreants by promptly alerting the security agencies whenever they sight them engaging in their nefarious activities.

The administration of #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State, in keeping with its rural development agenda, has constructed one motorized and seven solar-powered water boreholes in some courts and markets in the rural areas of the state.

The water projects, which are part of the concerted efforts of the state government to provide potable water for residents of Enugu State irrespective of where they reside, were inaugurated simultaneously in five markets, two courts and a community square.

Speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, disclosed that the water projects were duly captured in the 2021 budget and consequently approved by the State Executive Council (EXCO).

Engr. Nnaji revealed that the two water projects, located at Eke Ozzi Market, Ogurute, Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area were inaugurated by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Prince Emeka Mamah, on behalf of Gov. Ugwuanyi, while the one in Ezinese Community Square in Agbaja Umumba Ndiuno in Ezeagu LGA was also inaugurated on behalf of the governor by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta.

According to the Works Commissioner, the newly constructed borehole at Nkwo Ibeagwa Aka Market, Igbo-Eze South LGA was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Vitus Okechi, while the one at Orie Orba Market, Udenu LGA, was opened by his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Mrs. Ada-Onah Uyanwune.

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Barr. Peter Okonkwo, inaugurated the water project in Ogige Market, Nsukka, Nsukka LGA while the State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Miletus Eze, commissioned the facilities at Nsukka High Court and Magistrate Court, on behalf of the governor.

Inaugurating the two projects at Igbo-Eze North LGA, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Mamah, stressed that the boreholes demonstrate Gov. Ugwuanyi’s sustained vigour and tenacity in improving the living conditions of the rural dwellers who hitherto lacked basic amenities such as potable water.

Reacting, traders and other beneficiaries thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the time-honoured projects which they described as a basic necessity for proper hygiene and healthy living, especially in this period of public health challenges.
They urged Gov. Ugwuanyi to remain focused in his untiring efforts towards improving the living standard of all residents of the state in spite of the nation’s challenges.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

Enugu cop's misuse of fire arms: Gov. Ugwuanyi visits hospitalised victims, expresses shock over sad incident

...Pays medical bills of all victims

Following the unfortunate incident at Golf Estate, GRA, Enugu, on Sunday, involving a Police Inspector attached to Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia State, who started shooting sporadically, leaving five victims dead and four persons with gunshot injuries, Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi of #Enugu State visited the victims at ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu, where they are receiving treatment.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who was received at the hospital by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu and the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Hyacinth Onah, in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, expressed shock over the dastardly act.

The governor empathised with the victims and wished them quick recovery. He also condoled with families of the deceased.

Gov. Ugwuanyi announced that his administration will pay all the medical expenses and deposited some money with the hospital to ensure that all that is required to treat the patients will be provided.

Gov. Ugwuanyi equally charged the hospital management to ensure that victims receive adequate medical attention.

The Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force had in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the Police officer was "said to be on duty at RC Lotto Company located in the Estate" and "has been arrested and taken into custody pending the conclusion of investigation".

The statement confirmed that "four of the persons said to have sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment and five others whose injuries were critical, have been confirmed dead by doctors on duty and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy".


It added that the CP has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (State CIID), to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.

The CP also called on eye witnesses "to volunteer useful information to aid swift conclusion of the investigation and ensure justice prevails"

.

Reiterate commitment to united #Nigeria anchored on justice, equity, fairness, respect for one another

*To engage violent secessionist youths

Leaders of the South East geo-political zone comprising the governors of the five states, members of the National Assembly, Ministers, Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly, the Clergy and Traditional Rulers, on Saturday, rose from a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, urging leaders of other geo-political zones in the country to protect Igbos living in their regions.

The South East leaders who made the request in view of what they described as[b] “threats by some groups against our people”, promised to protect everyone, including Igbos and people from other regions, residing in the zone.[/b]

In a communiqué read by the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, Engr. David Umahi, the leaders of the zone reiterated their “commitment to one united Nigeria under a platform of justice, equality of rights, fairness, love and respect for one another” .

They explained that the meeting was held “for articulation of our positions and further meet with the Presidential team”, sequel to the earlier meeting with the Presidential delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, on June 11, 2021.

The communiqué disclosed that the meeting consequently “set up committees under Ohaneze Ndigbo to articulate and address our positions on all burning issues to further meet among ourselves and thereafter meet with the Presidential team”.

It added that South East leaders condemned the killing of security agents, burning of strategic infrastructure and killing of civilians in South East and in other regions, and requested the security agencies to discharge their duties within the rules of engagement and the law.

The South East leaders also condemned in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in the zone and elsewhere, proclaiming firmly that “we do not support them, they do not speak for South East”.

On the impression that South East leaders are silent over agitations for secession by some youths of the region, they stated that “is not correct” , stressing that[b] “South East Governors, Ohaneze President, National Assembly members, notable leader had come out publicly many times in the past to speak against such agitations”.[/b]

The communiqué revealed that South East leaders, in order not to mismanage the unfortunate situation, “have set up a committee to engage such youths to stop and allow elders speak to address such fears”.

On the safety of the Igbo indigenes in other parts of the country and the newly established regional security outfit, etc, the communiqué added that the “meeting directed our Governors and Ohaneze Ndigbo to liaise with indigenes from the northern part of Nigeria and indigenes of other regions to assure that the nation, Nigeria, and their people of their safety in South East.

“The meeting endorsed our South East joint security outfit - Ebubeagu and asked them to work with security agencies and to respect the rights and privileges of all those living in the South East and our visitors.

“We request our National Assembly from the South East to support State Police creation in the on-going constitutional amendment.”

The Committees set up, according to the communiqué, are “Agitation; engagement with other regions; those of our people in the North, South East, South-South and South West; IPOB, MASSOB, Youths and Market people, Okada and Keke; Diaspora; Advocacy; and Diplomatic engagement with Foreign Missions”.

Those present at the meeting include the host #Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Prof. Placid Njoku respectively, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogah, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb. George Obiozor, former President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and former Military Administrator of old Anambra State, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; his Ebonyi State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu; Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, among others.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

It is our turn to produce governor in 2023, Enugu Speaker, Nwobodo, APC Chairman, other Enugu East people tell Ugwuanyi

…As APC zones guber ticket to Enugu East Sen. District

The people of Enugu East Senatorial District of Enugu State comprising leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions, on Thursday, converged on the popular Michael Okpara Square, #Enugu, for a Mega Rally, requesting #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi to uphold the long established rotational template with regards to the Office of the Governor of the state by lending his support for the district to produce his successor in 2023.

Speaking at the well-attended rally, themed “Oganiru Enugu East Senatorial District”, the Convener and Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi said that the only agenda of the gathering was to demand for the governorship seat of the state in 2023 in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice, stressing that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District going by the long established rotational template in the state.

The Speaker who applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for attending the rally stated that it was the unanimous stance of the people of Enugu East Senatorial District and beyond that the governor has a major role to play in the choice of his successor since his predecessors enjoyed such privilege during their tenures as governors of the state.

“Your Excellency, your own will not be different. We are waiting for you to take a decision on your choice of your successor from any of the six local government areas of Enugu East Senatorial District and we will support the person overwhelmingly”, Rt. Hon. Ubosi said.

Aligning with the Speaker’s speech, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye announced that the party has zoned its governorship position in 2023 to Enugu East Senatorial District.

Dr. Nwoye eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for his uncommon leadership qualities as a peaceful, humble and development-oriented governor, saying: “When you have peace you have order; when you have peace you have development, you (Ugwuanyi) are a peaceful governor and you have brought peace to our people”.

The APC State Chairman emphasized that the governor’s presence at the rally was a prayer answered towards the quest for his successor to come from Enugu East Senatorial District.

“Your Excellency, the fact that you are here, means that you have answered our prayers in our midst. It means that you have agreed to endorse someone from Enugu East Senatorial District come 2023.

“We (APC) have zoned the governorship candidate to Enugu East Senatorial District. We are following the PDP people to beg you to also nominate and zone their governorship candidate to Enugu East Senatorial District.

“So, Your Excellency, you will do the right thing. You will anoint someone from Enugu East Senatorial District; if it goes to APC, you anoint someone from APC; if it goes to PDP, you anoint someone from PDP”, Nwoye said.

In his speech, the former Governor of old Anambra State and the former Senator who represented Enugu East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Jim Nwobodo, expressed optimism that Gov. Ugwuanyi will endorse his successor from the zone, pointing out that “Gburugburu is a peace-maker; Gburugburu entrusted Enugu State to the hand of God; Gburugburu will give Ndi Enugu East Senatorial District governor in 2023; we are only waiting for the time to come to know who will be the next governor from our zone”.

Expressing his confidence in Gov. Ugwuanyi, Senator Nwododo maintained that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District to produce the next governor of Enugu State in 2023, appealing to other senatorial districts to support the choice candidate of the governor from the zone when the time comes.

Nwobodo added that the candidate should be someone “who will be as humble and peaceful like you (Ugwuanyi) and also a governor of the entire Enugu State not governor of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, as Ugwuanyi is today the governor of Enugu State, not governor of Nsukka”.

Lending his support, the former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani endorsed the stance of the people of Enugu East Senatorial District at the rally and commended the organizers of the event for galvanizing the people of the zone to come and appraise the existing rotational principle of zoning in Enugu State.

Represented by the Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Major General Christian Ugwu (Rtd.), Sen. Nnamani lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the peace being enjoyed in Enugu State, expressing confidence that the governor’s disposition to peace and good governance will guarantee a peaceful transition in 2023, where a candidate from Enugu East Senatorial District will be elected governor of the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the members of the National and State Assemblies from the zone, the Council Chairmen, the Clergy, traditional rulers, State Executive Council, among others, equally paid glowing tributes to Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and appealed to him to stick to the existing rotational zoning arrangement in respect of the Office of the Governor of Enugu State, stressing: “We want governor of Enugu State come 2023”.

The state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, said that the party has not yet taken decision on the issue but he expressed hope that the outcome will be favourable.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated the people of the six local government areas of Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Nkanu East, Nkanu West and Isi-Uzo that make up Enugu East Senatorial District for their outstanding support during his 2019 governorship election, noting that they “emerged as the Senatorial District that mustered the second highest number of votes in support of my candidacy, after Enugu North Senatorial District”.

While recognizing the pedigree and sterling contributions of leaders of Enugu East Senatorial District to state and national development, such as Senator Jim Nwobodo, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, and Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, Gov. Ugwuanyi reassured the people of the zone that “the content and context of your speeches are understood”.

His words: “I admit, in all humility, that I have listened to all the speeches and I salute your uncommon political literacy and consciousness.

“Ndi Enugu are famed for being a peaceful and united family irrespective of religious bent or party affiliations. I, therefore, enjoin you to stay the course of peace and remain united.

“I pray that at the end of our administration, we will bequeath to all, a just, equitable, peaceful, united and prosperous Enugu State that has ascended more rungs on the development ladder”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi approves installation of fire extinguishers in schools

…Trains CIC students, PPSMB staff on fire safety

In furtherance of his administration’s concerted efforts towards safety of lives and property in #Enugu State, #Governor Ifeanyi #Ugwuanyi has approved the installation of fire extinguishers in primary and secondary schools in the state.

The installation, according to the Enugu State Chief Fire Officer, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, will commence with 216 units of 6kg DCP fire extinguishers for 18 secondary schools cut across the six educational zones in the state.

The State Chief Fire Officer, who made the disclosure during the training workshop for staff of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) and students of College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, explained that the governor approved the training of students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff of schools in demonstration of his proactive disposition to safety of lives and property.

Engr. Ohaa added that Gov. Ugwuanyi in keeping with his administration’s zero fire outbreak campaign has “distributed fire extinguishers of different forms and sizes to 24 major markets and 78 members of liquefied gas dealers association”.

He said that fire extinguishers were equally installed in the New State Secretariat buildings among other public places, stating that “this training programme which cut across markets, filling stations, industries, institutions has come to the turn of secondary schools”.

At the PPSMB’s headquarters in Enugu where the fire prevention training for the staff of the Board took place, the Permanent Secretary, Evangelist Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring safety of lives and property in the state.

She noted that the vision of the governor to extend fire prevention enlightenment campaign to schools was unprecedented and a great step towards safeguarding the lives and property of students and staff of educational institutions in Enugu State, stressing: “Since I was born I had never been a party to where the issue of fire prevention was being taught”.

The PPSMB Permanent Secretary revealed that 294 secondary schools will benefit from the training, pointing out that the governor’s transformation agenda in the fire sector has reduced the negative effects of fire outbreak to the barest minimum in the state.

Speaking after the training of the students of CIC, Enugu, the school principal, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, expressed delight at the demonstration of transparent and proactive stewardship by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration.

The Principal commended the state government for packaging the programme to enlighten the public especially the school children and staff on fire safety and prevention, noting that “this issue of fire outbreak was a source frustration to many schools”.

According to him, “Personally, I have learnt a lot from this and you could see the reactions from the students especially when you went practical.

“So I want to salute the initiative and salute our governor (Ugwuanyi) for sponsoring this kind of life-saving project. It is really something worthwhile and I thank all who have participated. We are so much grateful”.

#EnuguStateIsInTheHandsOfGod
#amokelouis

A Forum of former Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State has lambasted some Enugu West stakeholders over their recent meeting where they kicked against what is said to be an existing zoning arrangement in the State.

DAILY POST had reported that some stakeholders from Enugu West Senatorial zone had in a communique within the week said they were not aware of any zoning arrangement, and that the zone must produce the next governor of the State.

But reacting, the ex-Chairmen in a communique issued after their meeting, said Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi remained the leader of the party in the State and should not be distracted at this point with issues of zoning.

This is also as they accused those behind the Enugu West Stakeholders’ meeting of forging the signatures of some of their members.
They also passed a vote of confidence in the Governor.

The communique signed by several members of the Forum read:
“Rising from the state executive meeting of the forum of former PDP LG chairmen of the State which comprised all the local government chairmen who served the party from 1998 till date, who are still members of the party and loyal to the party and its leadership under His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu) and Hon. Augustine Nnamani, we deliberated and resolved as follows:

That we the undersigned members of the PDP former chairmen of Enugu State, has been operating under one leadership at the state level under the able coordination of Chief Albert Eze and Hon. Joe Ani who has not at any time authorized any of the senatorial zones of the State to issue any communiqué, press release or whatsoever on its behalf nor has any zone the right to usurp the authority of the state exco to use its name, or letterhead to issue any press release.

While we appreciate the expression of commendation and appreciation of the good works of His Excellency, the governor of Enugu State Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the purported communiqué, we observe that the ground upon which the communiqué emanated was faulty, misconceived and a smokescreen intended against the major trend of peaceful politics of Enugu State which is loyalty to leadership and observance of zoning, especially as it concerns the governorship position come 2023 in Enugu State.

The associations wish to join all peace loving stakeholders of the party, elder, past and present elected members of the party, appointees of the state government, the royal fathers, clergy, captains of industries, workers and traders in Enugu State to appreciate the governor for the peace and development at the cities and rural areas, thanking him for his resilience, commitment and sacrifice.

To further deepen the existing peace and good governance in Enugu State, the association of former PDP chairmen of Enugu State reaffirm our unflinching, unwavering, resolute and complete support to the Enugu State government led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, all the Federal representatives of our great party at Abuja who has not only distinguished themselves with robust representation at the red and green chambers but has remained the tripod upon which the peace mantra of the state firmly stands. We all will keep faith and resist every temptation which could scuttle all the peace efforts.

The association expressed deep regret for the unnecessary interjection made against our hand working local government council chairmen across the states who extolled the governor’s leadership style and performance through coordinated press releases and communique with their party chairmen in their respective local government areas.
The association wondered the intent of such attack where the few former party chairmen decided to shade the council chairmen for expressing their opinion in line with their belief that the governor should enjoy the liberty to go with the popular view of their people about issues of good governance and zoning in the politics of the state as it had been.

That we note with utter displeasure and surprise the hidden agenda that must have informed the exclusion of some former party chairmen from Enugu West in the alleged meeting held at Awgu LGA and the inclusion of former Oji River PDP party chairman’s name Mr. Pius Azor whose name they wrote as Pius Azi and forged his signature in a meeting he neither attended nor gave approval for.
The association cautioned that the citizens of the State will be against any group or individual who will threaten the existing peace in the state under any guise or actions. It therefore states unequivocally that there is no splinter unit of the association and urged the authors of the circulating communiqué from Enugu West on social media to withdraw same while advising the public to discountenance with the overzealousness of the group which only intended to mislead the public.

The association wishes to use this opportunity to encourage the governor to continue to advance the good governance it has sworn to give to the good people of Enugu State by extending the democracy dividends to the areas it has not reached and do all it can within the limited resources available to it to create enabling environment for private investors who will drive both employment for the youths and development. We also encourage His Excellency to continue with the security strategies and architecture which has made Enugu State the safest state not only in the south east but in Nigeria as at today.

The association unanimously assessed the performances of the governor in the past six years and passed a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE in His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrance Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu), the Executive Governor of Enugu State, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Hon. Augustine Nnamani (Ozoigbondu) and all our Federal lawmakers at the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Finally, we view the recent discussion about zoning as a distraction to the working Governor of Enugu State who still has two years to concentrate on giving services to Ndi Enugu, while we remark that all elected positions so far in the state benefited from zoning.

Our belief, therefore, is that all benefactors will support the Governor at the appropriate time to ensure that the Zone whose turn it is to produce the next governor will emerge peacefully to continue after him.
While thanking God for the gift of the most humble, humane and diligent servant leader in the State, we urge all citizens and residents of the State to uphold civility and not abuse the peaceful disposition of that servant in authority that peace may continue to reign in our dear State.”