OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Enugu State of Nigeria
THE CHAIRMAN, WORLD IGBO CONGRESS,
ICHIE CHIBUZO E. ONWUCHEKWE,
YOUR EXCELLENCIES, THE GOVERNORS OF IGBO STATES,
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND THE ENTIRE IGBO COMMUNITY AT HOME AND IN THE DIASPORA
PROTOCOLS
It is with sense of appreciation that I acknowledge the receipt of your special invitation to the 13th Annual World Igbo Congress Convention, which is scheduled to take place in Detroit, Michigan , United States of America, from August 30 to September 2, 2007. I apologize for my absence from this august gathering of the Igbo community due to the unforeseen circumstances connected with the business of governing Enugu State.
I will like to take this opportunity to share with my Igbo brethren some aspects of the Enugu State Agenda that complements the theme of this year’s convention, “Ka anyi dozie Alaigbo.”
1. ENUGU STATE AS A HOME FOR ALL NDIIGBO
The theme “Ka anyi dozie Alaigbo” connotes a cooperative effort amongst us as Ndiigbo. It presupposes that we must execute a common Igbo agenda. Prior to the balkanization of Igbo states, arising from the state-creation exercise, Ndiigbo had a common agenda under the auspices of Eastern Region of Nigeria. It is that sense of oneness that needs to be recreated, while we maintain our autonomy as independent states. I am here offering you Enugu State capital as a symbol of Igbo unity in the same manner as the Muslims have Mecca, the Christians have Rome, and the Jews have Jerusalem. I have instructed the appropriate Enugu State ministries to streamline the allocation of land to every Igbo person irrespective of the state of origin. You are encouraged to avail yourselves of this opportunity. We hope that this gesture will assist in engendering, reinvigorating, and fostering Igbo unity and brotherhood.
Please note that we have embarked on a massive restoration exercise of Enugu metropolis by initiating various public works projects targeting roads, lighting, sanitation, security, and many other sectors, the end result of which will make Enugu to reclaim her glory as the shining city on the hill. You are therefore invited to be a part of the new Enugu city.
2. SOUTH-EAST GOVERNORS CAUCUS
A popular Igbo adage is “Igwe bu ike.” I am in talks with my fellow Igbo state governors to convene in the very near future, the South-Eastern governors’ forum. Dialogue among and between the various states is mandatory to share our common vision, goals, aspirations, and develop a strategic regional agenda.
It is common knowledge that certain problems that confront Ndiigbo require the collective efforts and resources of the entire Igbo community. A single example is the transformation that Igbo land will witness across the board, if the plans hatched in President Shehu Shagari’s era to dredge the River Niger is implemented or a fully functional, second Onitsha bridge is commissioned and open to traffic. The Igbo community need the combined efforts of the states to tackle issues such as environmental degradation, an integrated transit system, across-state crimes, etc. You have my commitment that I will work tirelessly with my fellow Igbo state governors to do whatever it takes to ‘dozie Alaigbo.”
3. PROBITY AND INTEGRITY IN GOVERNANCE
It may please you to note that Enugu State government under my watch has zero tolerance for corruption. We are determined to enthrone the highest level of probity, accountability, and integrity in governance. Corruption is a cancer which cripples society. If it affects one Igbo state, it affects us all. This is one cancer that we must work collectively to eradicate from Igbo land.
As you deliberate, please know that you have the good wishes from the government and people of Enugu State. We invite you to visit and enjoy the serenity and tranquility of Enugu, the Coal City, the capital of Igboland and the capital of eastern Nigeria .
Once more, I regret my inability to attend this year’s World Igbo Convention due to the very short notice and other very pressing engagements. It is my wish and hope to attend the 2008 convention, God willing. I also look forward to hosting the World Igbo Congress National Convention in Enugu in the very near future. We wish you God’s blessings and a safe return to your various destinations.
Long live Alaigbo!
Fraternally,
Sullivan I Chime
Governor, Enugu State
August 23, 2007
On www.kwenu.com , Saturday, September 1, 2007