Ikpeazu promises to partner NULGE as Union commissions Secretariat in Abia
Joyce chituru
The Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has assured his undiluted support to continue partnering with the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to move Abia state forward. Ikpeazu gave the assurance during the Commissioning ceremony of NULGE’s Secretariat, which took place at the Ogurube Layout Umuahia.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barister Chris Ezem, commended the NULGE Abia State for the construction of the edifice.
He noted that the government of Abia State is proud of NULGE in the state, stressing that the government has taken note of all the problems of the union, and will soon look into them.
The State Chief Executive, further stated that Abia State Government will support NULGE in furnishing and equiping the secretariat, and said that Abia State government has continued to partner with NULGE in the State, thanking them for the award given to him.
While responding, the National President of NULGE in Nigeria, Ambali Akeem Okatunji, commended the President of NULGE, Abia State, for the befitting secretariat, and also commended the Governor of Abia State, and the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, for passing the local government autonomy bill.
He stated that the local government administration is the hope of the masses, stressing that without the local government, there wouldn’t be fully operational government that will serve the rural people better.
He called on the local government employees in the country, to vote for any government in the country that supports the local government autonomy.
Also speaking the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Engr. Enyinnaya Orji, also commended the NULGE Abia State for their secretariat.
He described the local government administration as the bed rock of development in Nigeria, saying that the House of Assembly took the courage to grant the local government autonomy which will improve development in the local government areas, noting that many other states in the country, have not thought of approving the bill.
He disclosed that, they also passed female empowerment bill, which empowers every woman to have the right of inheritance in their fathers, and husbands’ home.
He explained that they in the Assembly, are committed to making good laws that will benefit the people in the State.
In his contribution, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial flagbearer, Prof Uche Ikonne, who was represented by his running mate, Hon. Okey Igwe, commended the Speaker for the passage of the local government autonomy bill, describing it as the bed rock of development.
He noted that Prof Ikonne will do a new thing in the State, stressing “that we need an industrialised economy in the state, that will free us from running to Abuja, which is not enough, so that we can have enough resources for salary, education and infratructural developments in the state.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nkpuruoma Aliga, appreciated the NULGE President of Abia State for the unique project, which he said stands as a legacy to those coming behind him.
He stressed that the local government occupies a critical place in the development of the country, that takes care of the rural populace, and has a lot to do in the development of rural areas.
In his speech the President of NULGE Abia State, Commr Nwaigwe Ikechi Kennedy, said that the purpose of the gathering was to commission the NULGE secretarait, and to give award to deserving personalities who have impacted on the life of the NULGE members in Abia State.
He thanked the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for accepting to liquidate the two months areas and other consequential adjustments owed to them, and the appointment of Mr Victor Azumara, former head of service in and local government, as the Chairman local Government Service Commission in the state and others.
The Chairman also thanked the Speaker, and the members of the House of Assembly for passing the local government autonomy bill.
He stated that they will continue to interface with the government so that they will make good their promises to their members.