South East Governors’ Forum speaks on deplorable condition of Akanu Ibiam Airport, Anambra poll, others

The South East Governor’s Forum has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and called for the urgent intervention of the Federal Government in upgrading the facilities.

The forum also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the November 18 governorship election in Anambra holds as scheduled.

The Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi made the appeal while addressing newsmen at the end of the governors’ meeting on Sunday in Enugu.

Umahi said that the enlarged meeting which included other political leaders from the area became necessary following the urgent need to address the infrastructural decay in the area.

He said that members of the Forum had met with President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to address the infrastructural challenges in the area.

“Further to our meeting with the president, the meeting calls on the Federal Government to take urgent steps in repairing the roads, especially this dry season,” he said.

The governor mentioned the worst affected roads as the Enugu-9th Mile- Onitsha Road, 9th Mile-Markurdfi Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road and Okigwe-Owerri Road.

qually important is the deplorable condition of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, especially the runway, terminal buildings and cargo shelter.

“We request that urgent steps be taken to address the problems at the airport, “he said.

Umahi said that the forum had resolved to hold the maiden South East Economic Summit in partnership with DFID from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2017.

“We also approved the visit of Brenthurst Foundation of South Africa to the South East from Nov. 6 to Nov. 11 on economic mission,” he said.

Umahi said that the meeting expressed satisfaction at the willingness and readiness of residents of Anambra to participate in the Nov. 18 governorship election in the state.

“We urge INEC to ensure that the election takes place as scheduled, “he said.

The meeting was attended by members of the National Assembly from the zone, leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and speakers of South East houses of Assembly.

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu