S’ East Govs take stand on national issues

SOUTH East governors brainstormed in Enugu last week and took far reaching decisions on issues bordering the region covering security and  economic development  of the zone.
In an 11 -point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which was the first in 2019, the forum said that they would key into the federal  government ‘s community policing  programme,  as well as establish  Forest Guards in each state and roads cleared up to 50 meters into the bush to have a clear view of roads ahead.
“The  South east governors  reviewed the security situation  in the zone  and in response  to the emerging security  challenges  decided to set up both a committee and a Centre for South East Integrated Security  Monitoring / Intelligence  Gathering  to be centrally located in Enugu”, the communiqué stated.
The security  committee  they explained,  will also  address  the safety  of petroleum pipeline  routes to  Enugu Depot  to ensure that  pumping of petroleum  products  in Enugu  depot  resumes  in the shortest  possible  time.
The communiqué, which was read by  the Chairman  of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of  Ebonyi  State,   Dave Umahi, said,  “the forum  discussed  extensively,  the comparative advantages of agriculture  and the attendant benefits in the South East and resolved to put funds together  to fund our people  who are interested  in Rice,  cassava,  cow rearing,  piggery,  goat rearing,  poultry,  fishery and some other cash crops permitted by our soil.  The forum advised South East people who are interested in going into these areas to contact their states for further engagements.
“The forum appeals to federal government to consider, among other numerous requests, the reconstruction of the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to enhance the safety of air travelers.
“The forum reviewed the progress of South East Development Commission and noted that the people are excited about the commission and urged all stakeholders to kindly expedite action to bring the commission to reality”.
The governors commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his numerous interventions in addressing recent concerns raised by FAAN in ensuring that the Enugu International Airport is functional.
They however reiterate its earlier stance that “there is no land in South East for RUGA settlement programme”.
They urged the FG to take more meaningful action on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, Okigwe-Owerri Expressway and Owerri-Umuahia Expressway.
The forum commended the FG for the steady progress on the 2nd Niger Bridge project.
In attendance  were the host governor,  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, chairman of the forum and Governor  of Ebonyi State, David Umahi,  Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo States, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Gerald Irona, respectively.