The people of Oruku in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have extolled Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his commitment to restoring lasting peace in their community. This was expressed during a visit by their caretaker committee leadership and other stakeholders to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters at the Enugu State Secretariat on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the caretaker committee chairman of Oruku, Rev. Dr. Patrick Onyedikachukwu, described Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as an “Archangel and Ekwueme of Nkanu,” praising his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Enugu State.
Rev. Dr. Onyedikachukwu stated that the essence of their visit was to appreciate the state government for restoring peace in their land and to show gratitude.
“We are here to thank Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for restoring peace and to show solidarity with his administration,” he said. “Oruku was without any leadership when we approached you, and you established a seven-man caretaker committee to address our issues.”
“Our Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has shown us real biblical love since he assumed office. He is currently building a type 2 hospital and a smart school for us—the first of their kind. We are delegates and not the whole community. We are happy and pray for God to reward you more.”
The chairman of the Oruku Town Union Enugu branch, Mr. Joe Abah, also expressed gratitude. “We have been in darkness until you intervened. We didn’t used to go to the village until now. We can go home and rest. Governor Mbah has been wonderful to us, and we are happy with the smart school as we now have hope for a better future. Education, which Mbah is providing, is the best.”
Similarly, the chairman of the Oruku Town Union Onitsha Branch, Chief Jude Animba, expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, acknowledging his visible commitment to the development of Enugu State.
Hon. Chinyere Abah, speaking on behalf of the women, stated, “The women of the community are happy with what Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has done for us. The seven-man committee has restored peace to our land. Women were always victims, but now we can rest. We are happy with their work and hope for a better Oruku.”
In their remarks, Barr. Dan Uke, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and Mr Dan Ugwu, who are members of the seven-man committee , applauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his intervention in their land. He also praised the Commissioner for Chieftaincy, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, for ensuring that the creation of the committee was done in line with the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience. He called on the state government to beef up the security architecture of the community for increased safety.
“Umuode people are still attacking us and using thugs to harass our women. They camp at Umuode, use guns to cart away our crops, and beat some of us. We want the government to help us create a perfect neighborhood watch that will guard our people. The cancellation of boundaries was done, but the community is still attacking us daily.”
Dr. Okey Adeyi, one of the stakeholders from the community, stated, “Oruku is happy with the state government and begs for an opportunity to visit the Governor with a thank-you message. We are here to express our gratitude to those whom God used to restore peace in our community. We voted massively for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah during the elections despite all efforts to trample on us. We are proud of what our caretaker committee chairman and his team are doing and pray for their success.”
Responding to their calls, the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, appreciated the community for their visit.
He said, “God used the state Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as an instrument of peace restoration in the land, stating that the problem preceded two state governors who couldn’t settle it. God is merciful for sending a peacemaker like Peter Ndubuisi Mbah at the right time to save the land. God used him to appoint a powerful caretaker committee that has done massively well in making the land a safe haven. We are sorry for the imbroglio that led to the killing of many and the burning of over 200 houses in the community in the past. What we want is total support for your current leadership. Aged long crises don’t end in a jiffy, but those perpetrating evil will be fished out.”
“Your caretaker committee leadership is currently providing a direction that will bring a permanent solution to any trouble bedeviling your land. There must be opposition against peace, but they are in the minority and will soon meet their Waterloo. What they do is just the tyranny of a frustrated minority. Always bear in mind that security is everybody’s business, and we must all work together with security agencies to achieve it. Once your community is stable enough, the state government will start the process of organizing fresh permanent leadership.”
“The Governor is currently addressing the issue of some youths from your land who are in custody at various security agencies’ cells and correction centers, especially those who are innocent. Their issues will be resolved, and freedom will be given to the innocent ones.”
Deacon Okey Ogbodo also dissociated the state government from any fractional leadership in the community, as the executive order that created an autonomous community in the land and other issues were abolished by the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. “The ex-governor canceled the executive order that created Aguikpa Autonomous and various neighborhoods outside the central neighborhood as well as boundaries.”
“That executive order has been canceled and remains so.”
“Anyone doing otherwise, except from what the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and his team are currently doing, is a criminal and must be treated as such.”
“There is nothing like 30/70 again in Oruku and Umuode.”
“There will be a rebuild of your land, and the state government is committed to doing so.”
