Enugu Mobile News (2024)

12/06/2021

Why Enugu Youths Should Not Join The Proposed June 12 Protest!

1. Joining the June 12 protest may expose our peacefully known Enugu state to a land of crisis which will no doubt hamper progress and developmental programmes. If hoodlums hijack the protest it will lead to destruction of lives and property.

2. Those sponsoring this protest may have the agenda of exposing the South East zone which Enugu is the administrative nerve center in a bad light as was experienced between 1967-1970. If the protest turn out violent, they will as usual blame it on Ndi-Igbo!

3. South East Zone and in particular Enugu State which is the capital of old Eastern Region has been attested by many to be the safest part of the country and we all know what this feat means economically to Ndi-Enugu. Therefore, joining the protest will expose our peaceful Enugu state to an unpredictable hazard that may not help us as a people.

4. We must not join those who do not see the need in solidarizing with Ndi-Igbo. (Not too long ago, the Igbos downed their tools to pay respect to the over 3million Igbos killed during the 1967-1970 war in Nigeria, no other part of Nigeria solidarized with Ndi-Igbo as they moved on with their businesses. This is a big lesson).

5. All we need is a restructured Nigeria where our capacities and potentials as Ndi-Igbo will be fully appreciated and utilized.

Signed:
Concerned Enugu Youths!!!

26/04/2020

STRIKE ACTION BY ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) ESUT TEACHING HOSPITAL PARKLANE ENUGU UNLAWFUL

By the provisions of Section 31 (6) (a) of the Trade Union Act, Cap. T14, LFN, 2004, as amended by the Trade Union (Amendment) Act, No. 17 of 2005, it is unlawful for any person, trade union or employee that engage in the provision of essential services to take part in a strike or lockout or engage in conduct in contemplation or furtherance of a strike or lockout.

Section 7 (1) (b) (iv) of the Trade Dispute (Essential Services) Act, Cap. T9, LFN, 2010 clearly define essential service as any service in connection with hospitals, the treatment of the sick and the prevention of disease.

The Resident Doctors of University College Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu are engaged in rendering essential services within the contemplation of Section 48 (1) of the Trade Disputes Act, Cap. T8, LFN, 2004; Section 7 (1) (b) (iv) of the Trade Dispute (Essential Services) Act, Cap. T9, LFN, 2010 and 31 (6) (a) of the Trade Union Act, Cap. T14, LFN, 2004, as amended by the Trade Union (Amendment) Act, No. 17 of 2005. Consequently, they are not in law entitled to embark or threaten to embark on any strike.

In 2010, in SUIT NO. NIC/EN/16/2010; A-G ENUGU STATE V. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT GENERAL AND DENTAL PRACTITIONERS (NAGMDP) AND ANOR, the National Industrial Court on the 20th of June, 2011 held that service in a hospital is essential service under the Nigerian Law.

Similarly, in NICN/EN/226/2013; UNIVERSITY COLLEGE TEACHING HOSPITAL BOARD V. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS OF NIGERIA & 2 ORS, the National Industrial Court on the 23rd June, 2014 decided that the Resident Doctors are engaged in the provision of essential services and cannot take part in any strike, or engage in any conduct in contemplation or furtherance of any strike/industrial action.

Out of abundance of caution, when the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu, by a letter dated 28th day of February, 2020 threatened to embark on industrial action, the Enugu State Government in SUIT NO: NIC/EN/16/2020, ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT V. DR. EDOGA CHIME EMMANUEL & ANOR took our Originating Summons on the 2nd of March, 2020 for the court to determine whether in view of the extant laws and earlier decisions the Resident Doctors can embark on a strike action.

Following the Originating Summons, Motion Ex Parte and Motion on Notice filed and upon the hearing of the Motion Ex Parte, the National Industrial Court sitting in Enugu on 2nd March, 2020 issued an order restraining the Resident Doctors, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu from embarking on any strike pending the determination of the Motion on Notice. That order has been duly served on the representatives of the Resident Doctors and they have filed their response to the court processes served on them through their lawyer. That case is still pending in court and coming up for hearing on the 20th of May, 2020.

We, therefore, view with dismay the threat by the same Resident Doctors, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu to embark on strike in the face of this Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, worst still when there have been decisions of court against such an action and subsisting order of injunction restraining the Resident Doctors, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu from embarking on strike/industrial action.

The threat to embark on strike made by the Resident Doctors, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu in the face of the subsisting order of a court of competent jurisdiction is unlawful and unjust. A subsisting Court order must be obeyed until it is set aside.

CONCERNED ENUGU STATE CITIZENS

11/04/2020

Covid-19: Health Workers, Obi, Hail Gov Ugwuanyi For Maintaining Lockdown Order During Easter Season

By Ikechukwu Eze

A Public and Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Barr Sylvanus Egwuchika, has commended Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for maintaining his grounds on the lockdown order his government gave inorder to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world despite the Easter season.

It will be recalled that in his Easter Message to Ndi Enugu, Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who said that unusual times demand unusual measures, maintained that maka odinamma anyi and in reinforcing the protocol released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), all the precautionary measures (Social distancing and drastic reduction in the movement of people) put in place by the state government to prevent communal spread of the deadly virus in our dear State remain in force during the Easter celebration and until the government directs otherwise.

Egwuchika said "the lockdown by the Governor of Enugu state is not a punishment to the people but this is because the virus is communicable disease and one of the easiest ways and places of spreading this virus which has no known cure for now is the church, mosque, markets, cinemas etc." He recalled the high rate of spread experienced at the Islamic Word Conference which was held at India recently with over three thousand participants adding that the best way to go for now was staying at home or staying away from crowded areas.

While commending the Governor, LGA chairmen across the state, other political office holders and men of goodwill for their philanthropic thought in providing palliatives and food items during the lockdown, Egwuchika advised that the palliatives and food items should be distributed first to those in abject poverty condition and those from 65 years of age and above before considering those who are either working or doing well in business so that what is being shared will be meaningful to the people.

The Public and Environmental Health Specialist who condemned relaxation of the lockdown order by some state governors across the country so as to celebrate the Easter season, said that there actions could be described as blowing hot and cold at the same time which is not needed in a very serious matter like the Covid-19 pandemic that has sent Soo many to early grave.

Reacting also to Governor Ugwuanyi's position of not relaxing the Coronavirus lockdown order despite the Easter season, Pharmacist Nkechi Jonathan, said that if not for the fact that she is a health worker, her foot will not step out of her house within the lockdown period so as to avoid any eventuality.

She maintained that the best way of curing the pandemic was preventing it from occurring because of the high mortality rate associated with it adding "This can majorly be achieved through the lockdown order in place in the state and I commend Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his steadfast actions since the outbreak of this pandemic like provision of isolation centers across the state, personal protective equipment, ambulance buses to the state ministry of health for pandemic among other palliative measures."

Pharmacist Jonathan urged Ndi Enugu to observe the social distancing rules so as to avoid cases of spread stating that the virus is real and one which nobody should wish his enemy not to talk of your loved ones.

It will be recalled also that the former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, said that it is wrong to relax lockdown because of religious worship and went on to lash out at State Governors, who have relaxed the lockdown for Easter celebrations.

Obi who stated this while speaking on Arise Television on Friday, said COVID-19 is spreading quickly in Nigeria and there are not enough resources to manage it.

“It is wrong to relax lockdown because of people going to church. Faith is a thing of the mind. You can worship without going to church.

“We have a crisis that we don’t have the resources to manage. The greatest country in the world is America. They are on their knees now health-wise and economically. We should not allow that because we cannot manage it.

“Lock up Nigeria and we will solve our problems from within,” he said.

11/04/2020

WE DID NOT SELL AKWATTA MARKET ENUGU - GOVT

The Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. Emeka Onunze, has denied a story trending on the social media that the Akwatta section of Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, has been sold to a transportation company, Peace Mass Transit Limited.

The Council Chairman, in a statement, described the media reports as “false, misleading, baseless, mischievous and a failed calculated attempt to undermine our genuine efforts to upgrade the environmental condition of the market for the health and wellbeing of our people”.

Hon. Onunze, who disclosed that his “office is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the market”, maintained that the Council has no intention of selling the market.

He explained that “we have temporarily relocated the traders of the Tomato market in Akwatta to Garki Market, Enugu, to enable the Council rebuild the section of the Ogbete Main Market to standard before they return to the market to continue their business transactions”.

According to him, “the administrative process for the reconstruction of the Akwatta Market is ongoing and we wish to reiterate that the project is dear to us and receiving urgent attention”.

While reiterating that that “the government did not sell Akwatta Market to anybody or company as is mischievously being peddled”, the Council Chairman “recalled that our Council, in view of the reality of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic and in furtherance of its commitment to enthrone basic standard hygiene in the market and its environs, on March 24, 2020, shut down the Tomato section of Akwatta in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, before the general closure of the entire market”.

The full text of the statement reads:

AKWATTA MARKET ENUGU, NOT SOLD

“The attention of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State has been drawn to the misleading story trending on the social media, alleging that the Akwatta section of the Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, has been sold to Peace Mass Transit Limited.

“As Chairman of the Local Government Council where the said market is located, whose office is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the market, I wish to state categorically that the story is false, baseless, mischievous and a failed calculated attempt to undermine our genuine efforts to upgrade the environmental condition of the market for the health and wellbeing of our people.

“It would be recalled that our Council, in view of the reality of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic and in furtherance of its commitment to enthrone basic standard hygiene in the market and its environs, on March 24, 2020, shut down the Tomato section of Akwatta in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, before the general closure of the entire market.

“Consequently, we have temporarily relocated the traders of the Tomato market in Akwatta to Garki Market, Enugu, to enable the Council rebuild the section of the Ogbete Main Market to standard before they return to the market to continue their business transactions.

“The administrative process for the reconstruction of the Akwatta Market is ongoing and we wish to reiterate that the project is dear to us and receiving urgent attention.

“I therefore restate that the government did not sell Akwatta Market to anybody or company as is mischievously being peddled," Hon. Emeka Onunze, Executive Chairman, Enugu North Local Government Area.

11/04/2020

Easter Season: Gov Ugwuanyi calls for intense prayers, abiding faith in God

As Christians celebrate Easter, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on all Nigerians to reflect soberly and intensify prayers for God’s intervention and abiding grace for the country and the world to overcome the rampaging Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

In his message, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who felicitated with Christians, pointed out that Easter is the hallmark of Christianity.

The governor added that the feast which brought salvation to mankind, offers Christian faithful and indeed all Nigerians an ample opportunity to come closer to God, promote peace, love and unity as well as other virtues that would enhance the progress of the country.

While wishing the good people of Enugu State and indeed all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterated his resolve to continue to serve with the fear of God and to work tirelessly towards the progress of the state and the wellbeing of the people.

09/04/2020

Enugu State gets new Health Commissioner after demise of Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu

Following the unfortunate death of the former Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu, last week, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Thursday, swore in Associate Prof. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, as the new health commissioner.

Prof. Obi, until his appointment was a Consultant Public Health Physician and Lecturer at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla and College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, respectively.

Swearing in the new Commissioner, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that “the compelling need to re-establish commanding leadership for State Health Care System under a Commissioner”, in the face of the escalating Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, “necessitated the urgent replacement of our deceased Commissioner for Health”.

The governor added that the action was taken pursuant to the confirmation of Associate Prof. Obi’s nomination as Commissioner by the Enugu State House of Assembly “conveyed in Enugu State House of Assembly letter reference No. HA/5/CHA/11/VOL.1V/146, dated 9th April, 2020.”

While congratulating Associate Prof. Obi on his appointment, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed the hope "that you will bring your expertise and the requisite gravitas to bear on your new role as Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, especially in these unusual times.”

Responding, Prof. Obi expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy to serve as the State Commissioner for Health and pledged to carry out his duties with “all diligence and the best of my ability”.

PROFILE: Dr. OBI., Emmanuel Ikechukwu

Dr. OBI., Emmanuel Ikechukwuhails from Ogonogo eji Ndiuno, Amaeze, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. Heis an Associate Professor of Public Health Medicine,Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Public Health (FMCPH), with a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH). He is a Lecturer and Honorary Consultant, at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla Campus, where he currently serves as Senior Special Adviser to the Chief Medical Director and Head of the Project and Partnerships Management Office. He has acted as CMD and as CMAC at different occasions, was the Training Coordinator of the Community Health Officer Training Program (CHOTP) and the Coordinating Consultant forAbagana Comprehensive Health Centre,an Outpost of UNTH.

At the College of Medicine, he is Research Fellow and pioneer Course Coordinatorof the Health Promotion and Communication Stream, at the Institute of Public Health and Pioneer Director of the Biomedical Communications Centre.He has headed and served creditably on various committees in his Department, Faculty, the College of Medicine and for the University. He has worked forFamily Health International (USA) in the GHAIN Project, and as National Consultant to agencies such asUSAID, John Snow Inc.,DFID, NPHCDA, HERFON, Preston Healthcare Consulting, ENSACA etc.

He isaffiliated to theNigerian Medical Association, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Health Development Guild of Nigeria (HDg-N),Nigerian Network of Health Trainers and Consultants,and the African Heritage Institution (AHI) locally. He is Deputy National Representativeof the International Association for Communications in Healthcare (EACH), and is the immediate past Chairman of Goshen Estate Residents Association (GERA), a registered Neighbourhood watchwhileMinistering to the Paramedics team at his local church. He is published in peer-reviewed journals, with papers delivered at local and international health conferences.Dr Obi is Married with children.

08/04/2020

CAN supports Enugu State government’s efforts in containing COVID-19

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State chapter, has expressed its support for efforts of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in containing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the state.

CAN expressed its position when members of the State Executive Committee led by the Chairman, Rt. Rev. Christian C. Obiefuna, paid a visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, and made a donation.

The Christian body told the governor that “we have watched keenly and seen your relentless efforts to protect the people of Enugu State from this global challenge”, adding that “we are here to express our support to your efforts and indeed the efforts of Enugu State Government, to fight this global pandemic known as COVID-19”.

While offering prayers for God’s intervention and abiding grace in this trying moment, the state chapter of CAN encouraged the governor and reassured him of “our solidarity to your efforts in making sure that Enugu State is safe”.

Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the State Chairman of CAN and other members of the delegation for their solidarity and support towards the state government’s efforts to contain COVID-19 in the state, noting that their encouragement and prayers will go a long way in containing the global pandemic.

Other members of the delegation are Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Benjamin Eze (Vice Chairman), Apostle Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa (Secretary), Assistant Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel O. Edeh (Assistant Secretary), Ven. Jonathan C. Agbo (Treasurer) and Barr. Onuora Okeke (Legal Adviser).

08/04/2020

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES THROUGH PATRIOTISM AND UNITY OF PURPOSE: THE MGBUJI AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY EXAMPLE

By Malachy Chuma Ochie

There is no doubt that Enugu State is blessed with enormous resources including rich and expansive arable land. Unfortunately, a greater portion of these rich arable and cultivable lands are not accessible and the resources therein are not exploited. One area where such expansive arable land is lying dormant and grossly under-utilized is Mgbuji community of Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo LG of Enugu State. Mgbuji community is bordered by three LGs in Benue State namely Obadigbo, Okpowu and Ador LGs covering a distance of more than 50kilometres.

However, the community, in an unprecedented demonstration of communal unity and patriotism, has initiated an ambitious multi-million naira road project intended to connect the various villages along that trajectory and open up the expansive land resource to stimulate economic development.

Speaking to journalists yesterday (6/4/2020), during an inspection tour undertaken by a team of journalists, the President of Mgbuji Community, Barrister Chukwuma Edeh said the project was embarked upon as a response to the people’s desire to have all the villages and farm settlements in Mgbuji community linked and opened up to stimulate increased economic activities.

According to him, there are about 8 villages in the community that are inaccessible especially during the rainy season. Because of this problem, enormous agricultural produce from these areas are wasted and never evacuated. This, he said, has impacted negatively on the economy of the people. He also explained that several primary schools in these villages are in disrepair.

The inspection tour attracted major stakeholders in the community including the current Enugu state Commissioner for Environment, Chijioke Edeoga, and Chief Goddie Ogenyi, former Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Human Capital Development, Chief Eric Ebeh, Ohanaeze Chieftain and former Council Chairmen of Isi-Uzo LG; the Administrator of Mgbuji Development Centre. Also in attendance was the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LG Chief Jacob Abonyi.

Addressing the journalists, Chief Chijioke Edeoga remarked that Mgbuji community is a strategic and shortest gateway to Benue State; and scattered on this gateway are about 8villages and numerous farm settlements spanning a distance of over 50km to their border with Benue State on three fronts. The project, he explained, include massive earthwork and expansion of the road, and opening of new roads to connect the villages and settlements.

According to Chijioke Edeoga, the project, on completion, will contribute to economic development of Mgbuji community, Isi-Uzo LG and Enugu State at large.

Also speaking to the journalists, Chief Goddie Ogenyi explained that the seed capital for the project was provided by the Enugu State Government through the N5million grant it extended to all the Autonomous Communities in the State recently.

Ogenyi remarked that the community unanimously decided to plough the money into the road project because of the importance of the road to the Mgbuji people; stressing that the initial seed money had since been exhausted prompting the sons and daughters of Mgbuji community both at home and in the Diaspora to resort to self-help to continue the road project.

Among the project inspection team was Engr. Hyacinth Ngwu, a seasoned structural engineer who offered professional advice at various points especially on the several culverts and bridges along the road.

The project inspection team visited many sections of the road project and the new roads being opened. The critical points on the road requiring urgent attention include Iyi-Asaa bridge, Obodo-Ede, Onumkpu-Ambrose, and Onumkpu Sunday Olinya Nwakpaka culverts.

Scattered along the road are over 25 farm settlements involved in massive rice cultivation, palm oil production and small scale garri processing factories as well as bourgeoning timber business at Ukwu-Ekwu. This timber, explained the President of the Community, is being exploited by the Development Union and exported to various parts of the country. This vast area also has large mineral deposits of lead, iron ore, limestone and refractive laterite that could be exploited by the government for the benefit of Enugu State.

Already work on the road has reached Igbede village where the greatest challenge is the Ador Bridge which links other parts of Mgbuji such as Okpokwu Farm settlement, Ngele-Aguiyi, Ugwuoka, Apagu and Obodo-Mbe. Mr. Onah Raphael who runs an agric processing factory at the Ulo-Umuogiri area of Mgbuji explained that Mgbuji people are committed to sustaining the tempo of work on the road primarily because of the benefit of the road to the economic development of their area.

In his remarks, the Council Chairman, Chief Jacob Abonyi expressed happiness with the leadership and people of Mgbuji community describing their commitment to the road project as a demonstration of uncommon patriotism and determination by a community to change their story.

Abonyi explained that the road is not only beneficial to Mgbuji community but to the entire Isi-Uzo LG and Enugu state at large, and pledged that the LG will explore areas of partnership with the community to ensure that the road is completed. He however suggested that there was need to approach NEWMAP to intervene in those portions of the road where erosion is creating huge problems.

07/04/2020

NCDC commends Enugu State government’s efforts in containing COVID-19 pandemic

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) officials who have been in Enugu State in the last one week in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, today, Tuesday, April 7, 2020, visited Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Government House, Enugu.

The NCDC team, led by Tajudeen Arowolo, after an interactive session with Gov. Ugwuanyi and the leader of the State Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, expressed satisfaction with the proactive safety measures put in place by the Enugu State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The measures, according to the NCDC team, include the activation of three Isolation centres in Enugu and Nsukka, the ongoing massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of Colliery Hospital Enugu to be dedicated as an Infectious Disease Isolation and Treatment Centre, the closure of all educational institutions, markets, land boundaries, etc, to achieve the social distancing protocol as well as the decontamination and fumigation of the state.

The NCDC team commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the tremendous support he is giving to the State Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team to effectively discharge their duties, pointing out that “they are in high spirit”. The officials added that what they met on ground when they arrived Enugu was also commendable.

The team promised to make recommendations to its National body on how to further support the State response team in the discharge of her duties.

Other members of the NCDC team are Prof. Kabir Sabittu, Deacon Chinenye Nwaekpe, Amedu Michael Onoja and Dr. Adeke Azuka.

07/04/2020

COVID-19: I didn’t dare govt, police over closure of churches in Enugu – Archbishop Chukwuma

The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Most. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has denied media reports alleging that he said that “the Province will not shut any of its branches over Coronovirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic”.

Addressing newsmen at the Government House, Enugu after a closed-meeting with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmad AbdurRahman, Archbishop Chukwuma, disclosed that he was “very embarrassed to read the story in the newspaper and new media”, stressing that the story was untrue and misleading.

The Archbishop, therefore, stated categorically that he did not dare the government or the security agencies as was erroneously reported. He said: “All I said was that the church is not the building and that the church is the people praying; and people who are church members cannot be shut down in praying in their various homes”.

The Cleric acknowledged that “it has already been agreed in Enugu State that all churches should be closed down and we have been observing it”.

Declaring his support for the state government’s proactive safety measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, Archbishop Chukwuma maintained that his stance was that the closure of the churches does not mean that bishops and priests cannot go into the church and pray.

The Archbishop also reiterated that he was misquoted and misinterpreted in the media and encouraged the congregations to remain in their houses and pray.

According to him, “the building may be shut but the church is not closed because people are praying in their various houses but are not allowed to come to the church building to pray, except the priests and the bishops”.

Archbishop Chukwuma stated emphatically that “I never dared the government, I never dared the police and the police never came to me to say stop this or that because I never had any sort of congregational service.

“Therefore, I want to let the people, Nigerians and the whole world to know that it not true that I dared the government or that I dared the police”.

In his brief remark, the Commissioner of Police, AbdurRahman, expressed delight that Archbishop Chukkwuma has cleared the air, denying the news making the rounds that he dared the government and threatened the police over the closure of churches in the state.

The CP encouraged everybody to obey the preventive protocol and other safety measures adopted to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state, in the overall interest of the public and country.

Enugu State is in the hands of God! # #

06/04/2020

Collapsed 3-storey building: ECTDA evaluates all structures in state capital

…Says property had no building approval, was earlier marked for demolition

Following the unfortunate collapse of a three-storey building under construction at Ezeluike Street, Olympic Layout, off One Day, Agbani Road, Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Sunday, April 5, 2020, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has announced its decision to “immediately commence evaluation of the structural integrity and stability of all buildings within the State Capital Territory, from April 10, 2020”.

In a statement by the Executive Chairman of ECTDA, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, the exercise will be conducted jointly by a technical team from the Agency and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Enugu State branch.

Dr. Onoh, who disclosed that “ECTDA shall comply with the recommendations to be made at the end of the exercise”, pointed out that “where any structure(s) fails the integrity test the developer/owner shall be given a reasonable time not exceeding 60days to commence reconstruction and ensure that the structure is fit and stable for human habitation”.

The ECTDA Executive Chairman added that “in a case where no option is available such building(s) shall be demolished rather than put the lives of the occupants in danger”.

While disclosing that rescue teams from ECTDA, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Fire Service and Red Cross, among others, were on ground at the site of the incident for emergency operations, Dr. Onoh noted that no casualties were recorded.

He stated categorically that the collapsed three-storey building had no building approval from ECTDA and was consequently marked for demolition in July and November 2019, but: “Unfortunately, the developer continued construction in defiance of the Stop-Work order issued by our Agency”.

The full text of the statement reads in parts:

“On April 5, 2020, a three-storey building under construction collapsed at Ezeluike Street, Olympic Layout, off One Day, Agbani Road, Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Fire Service and Red Cross, among others, were on ground for rescue operations and there were no casualties recorded.

“In view of the above, the ECTDA wishes to state categorically that the collapsed structure had no building approval and was consequently marked for Demolition in July and November 2019.

“Unfortunately, the developer continued construction in defiance of the Stop-Work order issued by our Agency.

“Consequently, a technical team from ECTDA and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Enugu State branch, will commence immediate evaluation of the structural integrity and stability of all buildings within the State Capital Territory from April 10, 2020.

“ECTDA shall comply with the recommendations to be made at the end of the exercise and where any structure(s) fails the integrity test the developer/owner shall be given a reasonable time not exceeding 60days to commence reconstruction and ensure that the structure is fit and stable for human habitation.

“In a case where no option is available such building(s) shall be demolished rather than put the lives of the occupants in danger.

Signed:

Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh

Executive Chairman, ECTDA.

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