In response to the emerging security challenges in the zone, the Southeast Governors have resolved to set up a Security Committee and a Centre for South East Integrated Security Monitoring/Intelligence Gathering to be centrally located in Enugu.
Rising from a meeting held yesterday at Government House, Enugu, the Forum pointed out that the security committee would also address the safety of fuel pipeline route to Enugu depot to ensure resumption of pumping of petroleum products in Enugu depot in the shortest possible time.
It also agreed to key into the federal government’s Community Policing programme adding that Forest Guards would be established in each state and roads cleared up to 50 meters into the bush to have a clear view of roads ahead.
The meeting which was attended by the host Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State/Chairman of the Forum, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Deputy Governors of Anambra and Imo States, Dr. Nkem Okeke and Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona appealed to the 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 commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi “for his numerous interventions in addressing recent concerns raised by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)” in ensuring that the Enugu International Airport was functional while reiterating its earlier stance that “there is no land in South East for RUGA settlement programme”.
It further called on the federal government to take more meaningful action on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, Okigwe-Owerri Expressway and Owerri-Umuahia Expressway even as it commended the federal government for the steady progress on the 2nd Niger Bridge project.
Photo: Chairman Southeast Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dav Umahi.
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