Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the commissioner for environment and the managing director of Anambra state erosion, Watershed and climate change Agency (ANSEWCCA) to as a matter of urgency chackmate and control the erosion manace ravaging Osigbo and Uhe Ebe communities both in Nnewi South local government area.
Chief sponsor of the motion member representing Nnewi South one constituency Rt Hon Johnbosco Akaegbobi in his submissions quoted section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Rt. Hon. Akagbobi who is the Minority leader maintained that Anambra State has the highest numbers of active gully erosion sites in the South East of Nigeria due to her lose soil structure.
In his words ” Osigbo and Uhu Ebe communities both in Nnewi South Local Government Area, have over time resorted to self help to ameliorate the adverse impact of the ravaging gully erosion with minimal government assistance.
“The situation has worsened this rainy season as a result of the high intensity of rainfalls this year, leaving the residents of these communities at risk of losing their homes and farmlands to the gully erosion.
“An urgent Intervention by the aforementioned Ministry and Agency will go a long way to avert the imminent loss of lives and propaties.
“The erosion at Uhe Ebe is directly at the back of my house. We are one of the largest village and the third largest ward in Nnewi South.
“This erosion has done alot of harm to our people. It has taken over some farm lands, houses. The house of late Pius Okoli is almost gone, the house of Chief Obidiegwe is almost gone.
“If nothing is done from now till December, i will not be able to access my house any longer.
” We have done alot of palliative works on this erosion but the havy rainfall is too much.
” I visited the erosion at Osigbo three weeks ago and it has taken the house of Mr. Adebe, a very poor family, they cannot farm again.
“If nothing is been done in the next one month, the Catholic Church and hall of Osigbo, the house of Chief Vincent Azulichukwu are all at risk.
” Two years ago, Chief Vincent did some palliative work and now they are calling on Governor Soludo as a matter of urgency to come to their aid. The minority leader stated.
Speaking in support of the motion, Hon Atuchukwu Nonso, Hon. Nobel Igwe, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Hon. Douglas Egbona, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Hon. Tony Muobike, Hon. Augustine Ike, Deputy Minority Leader Hon, Jude Akpua, Chief Whip Hon. Jude Njobili, Minority Whip Hon. Paul Obu and Hon Golden Iloh in their seperate submission urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene.
” This is a save our soul motion. This gully erosion is on stage three. This is a passionate appeal.
” We have a working Governor and his attention is urgently needed at this particular spots.
“Erosion is a very greedy. If you allow it, it will keep eating. Anambra state is the erosion capital of Nigeria. It is not something we will treat with kid gloves.
” Controlling this erosion is beyond Anambra state, we need the intervention of federal government”. The lawmakers revealed
Anambra Assambly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze sympathize and console with people Osigbo, Uhe Ebe Communities especially those who have been affected.
The house adjourned to Thursday August 17, 2023
