South East governors’ Forum met on Sunday to discuss issues bordering the region with thought-provoking decisions covering security and economic development of the zone reached.
In an 11-point communique 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 send up both a committee and a Centre for South-East Integrated Security Monitoring / Intelligence Gathering to be centrally located in Enugu”, the communique stated.
The security committee, they explained, will also address the safety of fuel pipeline route to Enugu deposit to ensure that pumping of petroleum products in Enugu depot resumes in the shortest possible time.
The communique, which was read by the chairman of the South East governors’ forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, said that “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 area 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 travellers.
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.
*Reiterates its earlier stance that “there is no land in South East for RUGA settlement programme”.
*Calls on 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.
*Commends 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 Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, respectively.
