Tension in Enugu over new autonomous communities

From Emeka Chiaghanam, Awka

Crisis is brewing in Enugu State following the submission of a list of new autonomous communities that were approved for recognition by the state government.

The seven-man committee report had recommended the creation of 353 autonomous communities in state to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The proposal has been met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a masterstroke, while others express fear that it could upset the state’s socio-economic balance.

The controversy has led to accusations that Governor Ugwuanyi may be using the creation of new autonomous communities to favor certain parts of the state based on the recent general election.

Some have raised concerns about the criteria used in selecting the communities, while others have argued that the creation of more autonomous communities will further fragment the state and make governance more challenging.

The committee, which was inaugurated was inaugurated by Governor Ugwuanyi on September 13, 2022, had the responsibility of developing a template, evaluating applications, and recommending communities for autonomous community status.

Submitting the report to Governor Ugwuanyi at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Enugu, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Felix Asogwa, disclosed that “at the close of the advert for application, the committee received 716 applications from different communities across the 17 local government areas of the state.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ugwuanyi has assured the residents that the creation of the new autonomous communities was done in the interest of the people and not for any political gains. He urged the residents to remain calm and peaceful, promising that the government would address any concerns that may arise as a result of the committee’s decision.