ENUGU— MEMBER representing Ezeagu Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze has urged the State legislature and the people to support and encourage efforts by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in confronting the security challenges in the state.
In a motion raised on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Obieze assured that with encouragement and support, the tireless efforts of the governor will bring the new trend of insecurity in the state to an abrupt end.
The state lawmaker noted that the governor in its bid to secure lives and properties of citizens in the state has “ordered the immediate engagement of 5200 local vigilante (20 per ward) to be charged with the duty of maintaining Law and Order in the 260 political wards of Enugu State.
“Furthermore, the governor has charged the DSS office Enugu State Command to accept applications, shortlist, screen and select 1700 able-bodied young men, local farmers and hunters who will begin to serve as forest guards in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu state. The governor has also visited without fear, all the flashpoints and hideouts of these hoodlums.
“Our people say “eto dike na nke omee, omekwa ozo”. We must encourage the governor so that he can continue to do the needful and not be distracted by some of the uncomplimentary and discouraging remarks that come from our people. That is the price of leadership and their reprimand are made to motivate and not discourage the governor.”
Hon. Obieze, however, said the state, including members of the House must be pro-active and work towards restoring lasting peace and security and to fast-track the passage of Bills that would put an end to herdsmen terror in the state in order to compliment the efforts of the governor.
According to him, “we must re-emphasize that if we fail to secure the lives and properties of our people then we have all failed as a government. We must do everything legitimate, I repeat “everything legitimate” to safeguard our people.
“We must say no to any excuses, no to any obstacles, no to any sentiments, no to any hindrances, no to fear, no to selfish considerations and do the needful. No other achievement can be worthwhile if our people can’t sleep with their eyes closed. No investment can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos, crime and insecurity.
“As a Legislative House, we must also fast-track the packaging and presentation of the necessary Bills and speedy passage of Laws that will put an end to farmers/ herdsmen crises in our dear State.”
In his prayers, he urged the State legislators to pass a resolution commending the state governor taking up initiatives to rejig the security architecture of the state in the wake of recent spikes of insecurity.
He also urged the legislature to endorse the decision of the State Security Council to engage 1700 Forest Guards.
Other prayers include: “reassuring the people of Enugu State of our unflinching support for this initiative and our commitment to give every necessary legislative approval for its funding and implementation.
“Calling on all qualified persons especially hunters, hewers of wood, etc, to offer themselves for this service for the protection of our respective families and villages.
“Calling on public-spirited individuals and corporate organizations (especially those doing business within the state) to further support this desirable programme through provision of Radio Communication equipment and Surveillance/Monitoring Vehicles to facilitate its operationalization.
“Thanking Ndi Enugu for their support and co-operation in the war against criminality while urging them to remain vigilant for the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
The bill was Co-sponsored by:
Rt. Hon. C.C. Nwamba
Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu
Rt. Hon. Mary Onyinye Ugwu
Hon. Okwu Chinedu
Hon. Chijioke Ugwueze
Hon. Ibenaku Onoh
Hon. Jane Eneh
Hon. Sam Ngene
