BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has charged town union executives across communities in the state to eschew factionalisation for peaceful co-existence in their areas.
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Mbah, represented by the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Charles Egumgbe, stated this while monitoring the election of the town union executives of Umakashi community in Nsukka Local Government Area. He urged the new executives to avoid acts capable of plunging their community into crisis.
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“The major role of town union executives is to enthrone peace, progress and development of the community. The administration of Gov Mbah recognises town unions as the fourth tier of government with expectations that development would go down to grassroots seamlessly. Examples are the Smart Green Schools built in the 260 ward in Enugu State. We also have ultra-modern health centres across communities. These initiatives are in consonance with the governor’s policies of disruptive innovations. Town unions also have major roles to play in ensuring adequate security of lives and property, as well as access stakeholders’ contributions to fast track rapid development”, he stated.
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Responding, the President General of Umakashi autonomous community, Chief Emmanuel Ajogu, expressed optimism that the combined efforts of the officers would further bring peace and progress to the community. He urged them to remain united and focused, affirming that “the people of Umakashi would reciprocate the governor’s contributions towards making Enugu State the pride of the East”.
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Other members of the executive are Mr Omeke Ikechukwu, Vice Chairman; Mr Ugwu Onyebuchi, Secretary General, Mr Ezema Godwin, Treasurer; and Mr John Ezema, Provost. The election was witnessed by some officials of the state Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ada Nwoye; the Director, Town Union, Mrs Ngozi Nnamani; the Desk Officer, Mrs Veronica Okafor, and Head of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Alex Ngene.
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In a related development, the government of Enugu State has charged traditional rulers in the state to ensure transparency in running the affairs of their communities. Gov Mbah, represented by the state Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner, Dr Egumgbe, stated this when the state issued a staff of office to the traditional ruler of Amankpaka autonomous community in Enugu East local government area, Igwe Ikechukwu Edeh.
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The traditional ruler promised to entrench good governance. “I will ensure that my people abide by the rules of the law. Without such, no meaningful development will be attracted to our community. We are peace-loving people.”
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The President General of Amankpaka-Nike autonomous community, Chief Obinna Onu, in a speech, pledged to work with the traditional ruler to ensure harmony in the community.
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He commended Gov Mbah’s leadership, which, according to him, “has positively changed the political philosophy of Enugu people”.
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