Enugu LG Poll: Council chairmen seek re-election, pledge more  development

Some serving local government chairmen in Enugu State have declared their readiness to seek second terms in office, picking their nomination and Expression of interest forms and promising to consolidate on ongoing infrastructure, security and human capital development projects in their respective  local government areas.

The chairmen who were seeking second tenure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) spoke on Monday in Enugu after collecting  their nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the local government elections in the state.

Among those who spoke were the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon Jude Asogwa; Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Hon. Chijioke Ezugwu; and Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze.

The chairmen lauded Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership style and developmental strides across Enugu State, describing his administration as visionary and transformational.

Hon Jude Asogwa, Chairman, Nsukka local government area

Hon. Asogwa said his decision to seek another term was inspired by his understanding and alignment with Governor  Peter Mbah’s mission and vision for Enugu State.

According to him, the administration at the grassroots level must work closely with the governor to ensure the actualisation of the development agenda across communities.

“It is because I have clearly understood His Excellency’s mission and vision and I know it is commendable. I came into that mission and vision to work together with him to actualise the project,” he said.

Highlighting some of the projects executed  by his administration, Asogwa said his council had embarked on extensive rural electrification projects and introduced what he described as “one community, one project.”

He explained that the initiative was aimed at ensuring that every community in the local government feels the impact of governance.

“We are embarking on about 52 projects because we want to make sure that each community must have local government presence,” he stated.

The chairman thanked Governor Mbah’s ongoing education and healthcare reforms, noting that Smart Green schools and Type-2 hospitals were being constructed across wards in the local government area.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to provide infrastructure and improve security if re-elected.

“People should expect more dividends of democracy, more infrastructure development and a safer environment for everyone,” he added.

In a similar vein, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, expressed gratitude to God and described the opportunity to seek re-election as a special moment in his life.

Hon. Ezeugwu, Chairman, Uzo-uwani local government area

Ezugwu, who noted that the day coincided with his birthday, said Governor Peter Mbah had brought a new wave of development and hope to Enugu State.

“A smart governor, a governor with a heart of gold. God is using him to change the lives of the people,” he said.

He pledged to replicate Governor Mbah’s developmental template at the grassroots level, insisting that his administration had already recorded major successes, particularly in the area of security.

According to him, insecurity and poor road conditions previously affected farming activities in Uzo-Uwani, which is regarded as the food basket of Enugu State.

“The first project I carried out in Uzo-Uwani is security. Before we came on board, roads were not passable and many farmers abandoned their settlements. But today, the roads are passable and farmers have returned to their farms,” he said.

The council chairman further disclosed that his administration had empowered over one thousand residents through various programmes targeted at youths, women and vulnerable groups.

He maintained that preserving lives and property remained the first constitutional responsibility of any government.

“We have touched the lives of the youth, women and the elderly through empowerment programmes. Security remains our first agenda and we will continue to protect our people,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze, described his  picking  nomination and Expression of interest forms for a second term as both a privilege and an opportunity to continue serving his people.

Hon. Ukwueze, , chairman, Igboeze South local government area

Ukwueze recalled that less than three years ago, he received the same forms which eventually led to his emergence as chairman.

He said his administration had focused heavily on human capital development and social empowerment over the past one and a half years.

“For me, it is a privilege and an opportunity to re-enact my stewardship for the good people of Igbo-Eze South,” he stated.

He explained that his administration had prioritised education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment as part of efforts to reposition the council area.

“Human capital development has been at the front burner in our quest to move our people from obscurity to the limelight. Free education, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes have remained key priorities of this administration,” he said.

The chairmen expressed optimism that the people would support their return to office based on their performances and ongoing developmental efforts.