Nsukka Wants Retention Of Immunity Clause

Participants at a town hall meeting organised by Sen. Ayogu Eze in Nsukka, Enugu State, have Canvassed that the immunity clause should be retained in the country’s constitution.

The motion for the retention was moved by Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the Chairman of the Nsukka branch of NBA, ananimously was supported by all.

Okwueze, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) at the UNN, said the removal would cause distraction to the president and the governors and lead to unnecessary litigations.

“The immunity clause for the president and the governors should be retained but if they commit any crime they should be tried when their tenure expires,’’ he said.

The participants, approved the creation of more states, autonomy of local governments, as well as state of residence instead of state of origin.

Issues  rejected by the meeting included, state police, inclusion of geopolitical zone as regional governments, and single tenure system.

Meanwhile, Some beneficiaries of the subsidised Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, tricycles have commended the council for the gesture, urging it not to relent.

The local government distributed tricycles worth N400, 000 each to the first batch of 10 persons aimed at empowering and making the residents self-reliant. The council paid N150, 000 while the beneficiaries paid the balance of N250, 000 on each of the tricycles.

While handing over the tricycles to beneficiaries, Mr Ofobuike Igwebueze, the council Secretary, said the measure was to promote the use of tricycles as safer means of transport than motorcycles.

Mr Patrick Ezeugwu, a beneficiary, told our correspondent in Nsukka that he would remain grateful to Nsukka Local Government for helping him to get a means of livelihood.

“When the council said it will pay N150, 000, I thought it was government’s normal political and empty promise. “But last week, when I collected the tricycle from the council secretariat and I was given all the necessary documents, then I knew it was real. “With this, I have benefited from democracy dividends of President Goodluck Jonathan’s good government. “I commend the council chairman, Mr Tony Ugwu, for his concern to empower residents,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Chikezie Asogwa, said the gesture of empowering residents would help to build more confidence and trust in those in government.

“Some people thought that government money is meant for politicians and their friends, but with this kind of gesture, people will know that anybody will one day benefits from government.

“By this, Ugwu’s administration, has justified its philosophy of partnership that works; I am happy that Nsukka Local Government has helped me to put food on the table for my family,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Onyishi Livinius, urged the council to ensure that others in need benefited from the tricycles’ programme.

“The council should ensure that other unemployed residents in need of tricycles benefit. With this assistance many motorcycle riders will buy tricycles and drop motorcycles. “I am very grateful to Nsukka council for dashing me N150, 000 to become a proud owner of a tricycle.