Determined to stem the tide of the sudden security challenges in Enugu State and ensure that the state retains its status as one of the most peaceful and safest in the country, the state government yesterday took proactive and far reaching measures aimed at addressing the issues.
In a meeting between Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen, the Director, Department of State Services (DSS) and all the Security Chiefs of DSS in the council areas, the security body gave update on the ongoing recruitment of 1,700 Forest Guards in the state.
According to the breakdown, 3,963 persons applied for the job; 2,646 were shortlisted and screened; 879 persons had been engaged while the remaining 821 applicants will be screened and engaged in two weeks, bringing the total number to 1,700 Forest Guards.
Meanwhile, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel’ Emeka Kanu Uche, who led a delegation of the Church on a visit to the Governor Ugwuanyi, has applauded the untiring efforts of Enugu state Governor to sustain the enviable status of the state as one of the most peaceful and safest in Nigeria despite odds.
Dr. Kanu Uche expressed delight at the ongoing recruitment of Forest Guards by the State government to be “specially trained and equipped with arms and ammunitions to fish out miscreants in Enugu State”, stating it was commendable and a right step in the right direction.
A source who was privy to the meeting between Governor Ugwuanyi and security chiefs in the state disclosed that the governor and the other attendees were very much determined to ensure that recent security challenges in the state were tackled decisively. It was also revealed that they were eager to make sure that the Forest Guards scheme takes its firm footing in the state.
The source added that Enugu State being the first state in the South East geo-political zone to commence the Forest Guards operation after it was approved by the South East Governors Forum, has shown its commitment to the protection of lives and property.
It further disclosed that it was agreed at the meeting that 260 security vehicles should be purchased immediately for the 260 electoral wards in the state, one for each ward. Also agreed was the purchase of 260 motorcycles for security operations, one for each ward, including procurement of communication gadgets to facilitate optimal community policing.
The meeting equally resolved that a Ministry of Security Affairs should be established to coordinate various activities, intelligence gathering and interventions within the new Enugu State security architecture.
It was equally gathered that other far reaching decisions were taken to consolidate the security operations in the state and ensure that the Forest Guards scheme commences in earnest.
Speaking during the courtesy call on Gov. Ugwuanyi, the Methodist Prelate, who disclosed that “Enugu is growing astronomically and spiritually”, described the governor as “a man of peace, a good man, a trailblazing governor and lover of people, who ensures serenity, tranquility and equality”.
The supreme head of the Methodist Church prayed for Gov. Ugwuanyi who he also described as “an ecumenical and friendly governor”, asking God to protect and strengthen him and also grant him “unending wisdom” to govern his people aright.
He also spoke against the security challenges in the state and the country, praying God “that the activities of these bandits will stop henceforth in Jesus Name”.
Further describing Gov. Ugwuanyi as a detribalized personality with uncommon leadership qualities, the Prelate said: “He is not tribalistic; he is not nepotic; this governor is very ecumenical; he has piety as a character; he was bred well by his father and mother, he has native and academic intelligence; he is a man with emotional intelligence and a man of critical thinking and these are all manifested in his attitude to life”.
According to him, “We pray that you (God) bless the governor and his family for us. Evil people will never come around him. Give him the mind of discernment to know when sycophants are talking. Close his ears to sycophants; give him wise counsel always and grant that Enugu State may continue to move forward because Enugu is in the hands of God.
“God, you are going to take care of every part of Enugu State. If there are people trying to inject evil into this state, they will fail. Whether they are enemies at home or outside, they will crash and Enugu will succeed and so many blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will abide with you and remain with you even now and forever more. Amen”.
In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi welcomed Dr. Kanu Uche and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu, and paid glowing tributes to the Prelate for his uncommon capacity and accomplishments beyond the ecclesiastical Scholarship and Ecumenical leadership.
The governor who was delighted to note that the Prelate was in the South East zone on a tour of the Enugu Methodist Archdiocese comprising Anambra State, Ebonyi State with headquarters in Enugu State, thanked him for his prayers for his family and the state as well as the strong and credible voice he lent to the debate on challenges of insecurity, youth unemployment, masses welfare, among others in the country.
“We urge you to continue to inspire patriotism, national rebirth, constitutional leadership and responsible citizenship for sustainable peace, unity and national development consistent with the mandate of the Church”, Gov. Ugwuanyi added.
