Enugu, Model For Democratic Practices

Enugu state has described the state as a model for democracy and democratic practices in the country.

His administration, he said, has rigidly observed all relevant principles and practices ensuring the entrenchment of democracy in the state.

Chime, who made his feelings known while speaking to journalists stated that the administration has since inception, resolutely respected the doctrine of separation of powers thereby according all arms of government the freedom to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

He also pointed out that the state was about the only one in the country where local government elections had been held regularly and as at when due, adding that the statutory allocations of the councils have always been released in full to enable them to carry out many unprecedented developmental projects.

His words: “In Enugu, we have been able to ensure that the local government system is working. We have organized elections for the councils when they were due and they now being run by democratically elected officials”.

Continuing, Governor Chime further said:They have their money in full, that is why some of the projects they have been able to carry out can compare with what some states are doing”.

The Governor said there was also free access to information in the state, as well as transparency in the operations of government, pointing out that no contract has ever been awarded under his administration without the approval of the State Executive Council and its execution done without the supervision of the State House of Assembly.

On alleged abuses by officials of the state Environmental Sanitation Agency (ESWAMA), Governor Chime stated that no official of agency has been given authority to physically assault defaulting members of the public, stressing that their duties stopped at serving notices to such people and charging them to court where necessary.

He reiterated the determination of the government to link all the local government areas in the state by road while ensuring the transportation in the urban areas becomes a lot cheaper and at the same time making it more convenient for the people.