Abia State Government has expressed displeasure over the hijack of peaceful #EndSARS protests in the State by hoodlums with its attendant destruction of public and private properties as well as the lost of some individual lives in the state.
Rising from the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Tuesday Chaired by of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the council also expressed sympathy with those who lost loved ones and properties in the melee.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the State Information boss, in a statement, said government called on citizens to be vigilant in order to prevent reoccurrence of such destructive actions by hoodlums and expressed readiness to ensure the full implementation of the demands of genuine #EndSARS protesters as well as prioritize the restoration process by ensuring that the security architecture of the state is totally reinstated, medical facilities reconstructed and courts rebuilt using direct labour in partnership with Abia youths.
It therefore directed the deepening and reinvigoration of training programmes for youths and artisans to ensure higher productivity and participation.
On COVID-19, Kalu said council applauded members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 for the early publication of Abia State COVID-19 account in 3 national newspapers and the state website as well as for the prudent management and distribution of all the palliative items procured or received by the state.
It further said the Committee was directed the to tie up the state’s effort to protect citizens from the disease and also ensure that protective materials are quickly distributed to all the public schools in the state.
According to Chief Kalu, the Ministry of Women Affairs has been directed to ensure that destitute persons are removed from Aba and Umuahia streets and taken to state run homes to learn new skills, rehabilitate and return them to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of the state.
Other resolutions at the meeting include the approval of the plan to renovate the old Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, in conjunction with Nigeria Society of Engineers, Abia Chapter and that for the renovation and subsequent commercialization of Abia State Staff Quarters, Okota, Lagos.
The meeting also approved the restructuring plan for Abia State Road Maintenance Agency while it directed the setting up of a committee to review the proposal for the development of Azumini Blue River and Arochukwu Long Juju tourist sites.
Also approved was the interim burial plan for Late Dr Solomon Ogunji and called for total participation by all to honor him as it received the report of the task force on employment racketeering in the state.