The Governor of Ebonyi State in South East Nigeria, Francis Nwifuru has sworn in two more Judicial Service Members into the Judicial Service Commission.
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor disclosed this while addressing Journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting held in Abakaliki, the State capital.
He said the Council meeting as usual was presided over by the Executive Governor and Chairman of Council, Francis Nwifuru.
“Before commencement of the exclusive Executive Council deliberations, the Governor performed the swearing-in ceremony of more two members of the Judicial Service Commission, Eze Emmanuel Nwojiji and Chief Emmanuel Igwe,“ Okpor added.
According to him, the Governor advised them to always uphold the principles of justice and fairness in their dealings, and to give respect to their oath of office in service to God and humanity.
Water Resources
He said a progress report on the issue of pipe-borne water supply to the inhabitants of the state was received from the Commissioner for Water Resources in which he informed the Council members that renovation is ongoing at the Water Works Low-lift water facility in Abakaliki.
The Commissioner reported that there has been an expansion and improved volume of water supply to most areas in the capital city for up to four hours each day starting from 6 a.m
He however noted that the Ministry, due to incessant cases of burst pipes has not started the water supply for 24 hours a day as that would amount to collosal waste and assured them that the Ministry is working towards achieving that when all the pipelines are fully maintained with minimal new leakages.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner acknowledged that there are some areas within the capital city that have not started receiving water supply owing to totally damaged water lines, and assured that the Ministry was working assiduously to ensure that the challenges in the sector are well taken care of to ensure a holistic water supply.
Members of the State Executive Council joined the Commissioner to solicit patience and understanding from the public as the state government continues to intensify efforts towards resolving all issues in the sector in line with the People’s Charter needs manifesto.
Boundary Dispute
The Commissioner for Information Noted that the report of the 5-man Peace Committee set up at a meeting in July 2023, headed by the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Ogbonnaya Abara, was submitted to the Council.
The Chairman of the committee appreciated the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in the capacity and explained that apart from reviewing the earlier reports on the Amana and Ohankwu boundary dispute, his Committee also sourced data from the National Archives in addition to other submissions and investigations to come up with their recommendations.
The Chairman of the Council assured them that the state would implement the committee’s report 100 percent after due consideration.
He directed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General to work towards developing a white paper on the report for implementation.
“It is worth letting you know, Gentlemen of the Press, that all Ezza and Ikwo indigenous members of the State Executive Council have unanimously thrown their weight behind the report of the Committee”
“At the end of EXCO, the members led by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Barr. Ben Odoh for Ikwo and the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Chikadibia Okpor for Ezza, on behalf of their colleagues from Ezza and Ikwo extractions expressed total confidence in the character of the committee members. They pledged to support its implementation for lasting peace in their area.“ Okpor added.
Agriculture
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iyioku presented to Council a report on an unscheduled visit of a team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the State.
She explained that the purpose of the visit was to explore ways through which the Federal Government can collaborate with the State to expand dry season farming in the state, especially in rice production adding that the team, after their assessment tour of Ezillo farms and other rice projects in the state, commended the state and her people for their committed towards food security in the country, particularly in rice production as well as other agricultural activities.
PIAK
