Okezie Ikpeazu, the Governor of Abia State, has lamented the absence of federal presence in the State.
He said that Abia is ripe to have a federal secretariat.
The Governor stated this Thursday, during a courtesy visit by Federal Commissioner, representing Abia State at the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Henry Ogbulogo, who was in the State on a working visit.
He called on the Commissioner to join in the clarion call for a federal secretariat in the State, adding that the mere absence of a federal secretariat further points to the absence of federal presence in the State
According to him, despite the fact that Abia is an oil-producing state, it cannot boast of having any oil company with an office in Abia.
He also pointed out that none of the companies that drill oil in the State resides in Abia but rather prefer to live in other states from where they come to work in Abia and pay their taxes in those other States.
Governor Ikpeazu noted that Abia is one of the most peaceful States devoid of youth restiveness and appealed for a change in attitude by the Federal Government.
The Governor, who noted that the issues raised by the Federal Commissioner, including fixing the road that leads to its office in the State as well as compelling the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to submit their nominal rolls to the Commission, directed such MDAs to avail the Commission all the necessary support.
Earlier in his speech, the Federal Commissioner, Mr Henry Ogbulogo, appealed to the Governor to give the Commission necessary footing in the State, as well as compel the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s, to make available to the Commission necessary documents and nominal rolls to enable it carry out its job.
Ogbulogo said the Commission is mandated to monitor compliance to the guidelines and formula for employment.
He thanked the State government for providing land for the Secretariat of the Commission and requested that a facelift be given to the road leading to the Commission’s Secretariat in Umuahia.
