ENDSARS: Gov. Ikpeazu Inaugurates Panel To Ascertain Damages
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has officially inaugurated a twelve-man committee to ascertain the level of damage on private and public infrastructures arising from the recent protests by Nigerian youths in the State with the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Chimaobi Ebisike as Chairman.
Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu named the terms of reference of the Committee to include ascertaining the root causes of the destruction of public and private infrastructures in the State during ENDSARS protest, to enumerate public and private properties destroyed or vandalized during the protest, to evaluate financial loses Arising from the said destruction and how government can pay compensations where possible as well as advise government on possible ways of averting future occurrences.
The Governor equally urged the committee to make recommendations on how the destroyed properties can be rebuilt within the shortest possible time and to do everything necessary or incidental to the actualisation of the mandate.
The state Chief Executive said that the recent events necessitated the constitution of the committee, which he said has 12 weeks to turn in its report.
Governor Ikpeazu who charged the committee members to explore ways through which to engage the youths in a constructive manner disclosed that he is embarking on another local government elections in the State to underscore the importance of youth inclusion in Governance.
He explained that elections at the council levels provides opportunities for youths to participate as officials either as elected persons or appointees and urged Abia Youths to submit proposals on their choice of businesses for sponsorship by the state government.
The Governor said that his administration has done a lot to provide job opportunities for the youths including changing the narrative in the works of the artisans in Aba, most of whom are youths and efforts in establishing automated shoe factory and general promotion of Made in Aba and establishment of SME Bank for Micro and Medium entrepreneurs among others.
The State chief Executive said that cottage industries are being established currently in the State with 7 LGA’s for a start,adding that the machines for the industries are on ground from India.
Other members of the Committee include Mr Aaron Iyke, Comrade Frank Eme Orji, Engr. Sunday Okpara, Dr Ugochukwu Onyeonoro, Chief Jerry Kalu, Mr Ugwumba Adiele, Mr Chris Nwanevo, Mr. O. J. Bob Amanze, Mr Okechukwu Osuoha, Mrs. Joy Iwuchukwu and CSP Emeka Ubani.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Committee Chairman, Chief Chimaobi Ebisike thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve the State on the assignment, and promised to meet up with the expectations of government and the totality of Abians.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Okochukwu among other government functionaries were present during the Inauguration.