By Nicholas Obisike
Enugu – The Enugu State House of Assembly on Thursday constituted a six-man committee to investigate the usurpation of powers by Akwuke and Akwuke Uwani town unions in the excavation of gravel and other minerals in the area.
The Speaker of the assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, said that the usurpation of powers by the communities constituted a threat to peace and order and might result to communal clash.
The committee, chaired by Mr Mathias Ekweremadu representing Aninri constituency, was mandated to investigate the matter and make recommendations on the best way to maintain peace in the area.
During debate on the matter at plenary, Mr Chinedu Nwamba, representing Nsukka East, said that the two communities in Enugu South Local Government of the state, had abused the right and privileges given to them by the state government.
“It is not their right to collect revenue; but in their case, they were allowed to remit some percentage to the government but have failed to do so.
“I want the house to caution the traditional rulers of these communities because they have deviated from their duty of maintaining peace and order in doing business with community resources,’’ he said.
Also contributing, Mr Sunday Ude-Okoye, representing Awgu constituency, suggested the suspension of all entitlements due to the traditional rulers of the two communities till further notice.
The assembly therefore, advised the state Ministry of Rural Development and Environment to take over the solid minerals in those communities to ensure peace.
However, Dr Daniel Ogbuabor, representing Isi-Uzo constituency, said that the communities had no other means of sustaining themselves and urged the house re-consider its position.
Meanwhile, the assembly also confirmed Mr Livinus Okoro as the new Auditor-General of the state.
During screening, Okoro had told the house that he had worked as an auditor for over two decades in various institutions across the country.
“I was serving as an auditor at the Michael Okpara Federal University of Agriculture before this call up to serve my state,’’ he said.