The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has called on communities desirous to become autonomous to send their request to the newly inaugurated committee overseeing the creation of autonomous communities in the state.
Ugwuanyi stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the 7-man committee on Tuesday at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Independence Layout Enugu.
The Governor revealed, “Enugu State Government has been inundated with requests for creation of new autonomous communities from all nooks and crannies of the state.”
“Despite our administration’s interventions and approval of autonomous communities in the past because of some compelling circumstances, many more communities are agitating for their autonomy,” Ugwuanyi reiterates.
Autonomous Community he explains plays pivotal role as first-level administrative division as well as nucleus for development and security service provision.
The Committee members include Professor Felix C Asogwa (Chairman), Mrs. Josephine Onyia (Secretary), Dr. Eric Oluedo, Barr. Anayo Enechukwu, Prof. Ngozi Ejionueme, Prof. Sam Ugwu and Prof. Ikenna Omeje.
These were charged with the responsibility to consider all requests for autonomous community; establish the genuineness of the requests, having regard to all circumstances related thereto, including viability, cultural affinity, peace and security of the areas concerned; and then make her recommendations to the state government.
The Committee also is to consider and review Traditional Rulership for the proposed autonomous communities; will it be via appointment, selection, or election?
They are also expected to consider any other matters relating to four listed points above; make findings and recommendations that are reasonably incidental to the attainment of the objectives enumerated above.
Gov. Ugwuanyi described the Committee members as distinguished and accomplished intellectuals and seasoned technocrats with enviable track record of experience, character, capacity and competency.
“I urge you to hit the ground running as the outcome of your assignment, guided by the eligibility criteria, shall be employed by the state government in addressing the yearnings of our people before the end of this administration,” Ugwuanyi urges.
Present at the inauguration ceremony were the former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the candidate of the party for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, Chief Engr. Vita Abba; Member representing Nsukka West Constituency, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugwuerua; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze.
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One comment
Tobe Nnamani
January 9, 2023 at 9:52 am
The idea that the Committee would have to recommend whether Traditional Rulers in the new autonomous communities would be via ‘appointment, selection or election’ is not in order. Government should not appoint or select Traditional Rulers for any community. The idea of appointment and/or selection of Traditional Rulers renders the whole concept of autonomy useless because it negates the concept of autonomy – which every Igbo town or group of villages are yearning for. Apart from the fact that the idea of Traditional rulership is alien to the Igbo, government intervention in the whole process defeats the very aim why the communities are to be created. Instead of this anachronism and backdrop of colonial Warrant Chieftaincy, the leadership of such communities should be according to their tradition and custom!