The people of Igbo-Etiti local Government Area in Enugu State, under the auspices of Igbo-Etiti Expanded Stakeholders’ Forum, have moved for the creation of an additional development centre in the local government.
This would bring to four the number of development centres in the area.
At a well-attended meeting held recently at the Local Government Council secretariat, it was unanimously agreed that the existing structure had some imbalances that needed adjustments in the interest of justice, fairness and equity.
It was observed that with the existence of Igbo-Etiti East, Igbo-Etiti West and Igbo-Etiti Central, the way they had been, Igbo-Etiti Central needed to be further carved into two development centres along the Igbo Odo and Igbo Omaba cultural lines, to give the many communities previously lumped together there an added sense of belonging and political participation.
In the same vein, the forum also extensively deliberated on the tenure of office of the Chairman of the council and agreed that since the East and West had had four years each, it would only be just to allow the Central that presently occupy the office to also complete their term of four years.
Contributing to the debate, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and prominent son of the Area, Chief John Nnia Nwodo Jr. stressed the importance of peace and unity to the people of Igbo-Etiti which has been enthroned by the present administration at both the state and the local government levels.
“We have the Igbo-Etiti East and Igbo-Etiti West, with the Central having very many communities. It would be most appropriate if the new development centre comes from the Central. Again, as the West and East had occupied the position of the Chairman for four years respectively, it would be most appropriate and in line with equity to allow and in fact support the Central to also occupy the office for four years like their brothers had done”, Nwodo explained.
Speaking in the same vein, the member representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Princess Stella Ngwu thanked the people for coming out en mass to discuss these issues that were germane to their political well being.
She posited that with the understanding and unanimity they had applied in supporting the proposals, the people would no doubt remain united.
Also, the stakeholders through an unanimous Yes Voice Vote resolution endorsed the two issues deliberated upon and got an overwhelming approval.
Hon Dr. Martins Oke moved for the adoption of the two motions and was seconded by Hon. Joseph Alekeozor.
Hon. James Akadu, Member Enugu State House of Assembly representing Igbo-Etiti West Constituency, while supporting the motion noted it was good Igbo-Etiti people would continue to live together and did things as brothers and upheld the principle of equity to continue to be a force to reckon with in the state.
Also, Chief Arch. Chris Offor appreciated the overwhelming spirit of unity the people had applied in all they did, noting that having enthroned justice and fairness, God would continue to advance Igbo-Etiti and her good people.
He added that a matter discussed and agreed upon with one voice always ended up for good for the people.
Chief NBT Ezeani, Igwe Echeobodo of Ekwegbe who spoke on behalf of the Igwes traced the political history and relationship of the peoples of Igbo-Etiti and concluded that the implementations of the afore-said popular recommendations would be an additional seal to the bond of the unity of Igbo-Etiti people.
Other speakers highlighted that the two issues approved were critical to the peace and unity of the local government area.
Meanwhile, the Transition Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Malachy Agbo, while commending the stakeholders for turning out in their numbers, thanked the people for their unwavering support for the State Governor, Rt Hon Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and commitnent whenever it was demanded of them to show leadership and sacrifice for public good.
The meeting was attended by serving and former legislators, Igwes, leaders of thought, members of the academia, current and former political office holders, the clergy, trade unions and members of the public.
