From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has described Town Unions as veritable partners in its commitment to providing social infrastructure that will be of immense benefit to rural dwellers across the state.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Deacon Okey Ogbodo, stated this during an interface with Presidents General of various communities in Enugu State, held at the Enugu North Local Government Headquarters, Enugu, at the weekend.
Ogbodo described the Presidents General as agents of development in their respective communities and urged them to always align with the government in power to accelerate development at the grassroots.
To achieve the ultimate goal of community development, the commissioner tasked the Presidents General to work harmoniously with the state government, local government chairmen and other development partners, noting that they are best positioned to define and communicate the most pressing needs of their communities to the authorities.
Ogbodo stated, “The development of Enugu state according to Governor Peter Mbah is a task that must be done and our communities will not be found wanting.
“Our communities through it’s leadership such as Town Unions, must therefore allign with this audacious and progressive vision. Collectively and individually, we must re dedicate to peace, stability and the obvious expression of our support through action for His Excellency’s leadership and governance goals.”
He further emphasised that the cardinal roles of Town Unions include the promotion of peace, unity and progress. He stressed that his doors are always open to guide and assist Presidents General in enthroning peace in their communities whenever conflicts arise.
The commissioner cautioned, “It is important to reiterate that any Town Union that fails to play the roles for which it is established in forstering peace, development, unity and the mobilization of community members in support of the Government’s social and economic development initiatives and rather constitutes a clog in the wheel of progress, stands the risk of being dissolved and replaced with a Caretaker Committee,” Ogbodo stated.
Responding to questions on how to distinguish the powers of Traditional Rulers and Presidents General, Hon. Ogbodo explained that Traditional Rulers perform ceremonial functions and are responsible for the promotion and preservation of culture, while Presidents General serve as agents of development and security, and are responsible for initiating revenue sources which must be transparent and properly accounted for annually.
Earlier in his address, the State Coordinator of Enugu State Presidents General, Mr. Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, appealed for improved welfare for members of Town Unions across the state, noting that the monthly stipends, even though irregular, are very poor. He also appealed for the provision of a comfortable office for the Town Union executives.
The Enugu State PGs’ Coordinator, on behalf of his colleagues, commended Governor Peter Mbah for the laudable projects being executed in various communities across the state.
