ENUGU, Nigeria – The Enugu State Government has announced a ban on unauthorized use of vehicles with tinted windows, effective from September 4, 2023.
This decision, which forms part of the government’s broader strategy to combat kidnappings and criminal behaviour, was unveiled in a statement on Monday, August 7, 2023, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
“The ban is in line with the state government’s determination to combat the nefarious activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements in the state,” Onyia declared.
Following the Nigeria Police Force’s suspension of tinted glass permits issuance on June 7, 2021, vehicle owners have been given a four-week window to comply with the new regulation.
This period allows time to remove or replace any factory-fitted tinted windows in line with the law’s provisions.
“The enforcement taskforce shall impound defaulting vehicles and shall not be released to their owners until the tinted glasses are removed or replaced and the specified fines paid,” warned Onyia, underlining the stringent measures that will be employed to enforce the ban.
Onyia further explained that the ban was aimed primarily at curtailing the activities of criminals and generally enhancing the security and safety of Enugu State’s residents.
While acknowledging the inconveniences that might arise, the Secretary to the State Government sought public understanding and cooperation.
He concluded, “This move, while it may pose a temporary challenge to some vehicle owners, ultimately serves the public good, ensuring that our communities remain safe from the threats posed by criminal elements.”
As Nigeria grapples with an uptick in insecurity, this move underscores Enugu State’s determination to take decisive action against criminal activities.
It is anticipated that other states grappling with similar issues will closely monitor the outcome of this bold initiative.
Enugu’s Governor Mbah Nominates Disgraced Ike Ekweremadu’s Son, Lloyd, for Commissioner
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, announced a list of 15 commissioner-nominees on Friday, July 28, 2023, including Lloyd Ekweremadu, the son of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently imprisoned in the UK on charges of organ trafficking.
The nomination list, read on the state House of Assembly floor by Speaker Uche Ugwu, also includes Ada Chukwu, daughter of former governor Sullivan.
Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and their doctor, Obinna Obeta, were convicted by a UK court for violating the Modern Slavery Act and are currently serving prison sentences.
In a letter accompanying the list, Secretary of State, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, indicated the possibility of additional nominees and appealed to the House for prompt consideration of the current ones.
“While this may not be the exhaustive list, I’m optimistic that this request will receive your usual expeditious consideration,” Onyia wrote.
The list of nominees features a diverse range of individuals from various professional backgrounds.
These include veteran broadcaster Aka Eze Aka; Prof. Ndubueze Mba; Mrs. Ngozi Eni; Prof. Sam Ugwu; Chika Ugwoke; and Dr. Kingsley Ude.
Additionally, the governor has nominated former commissioners Prof. Emmanuel Obi and Deacon Okey Ogbodo, as well as Ugochi Madueke, Dr. Malachy Agbo, Gerrald Otiji, Nathaniel Urama, and Prince Lawrence Ezeh for roles in his administration.
The nomination of Lloyd Ekweremadu will likely draw attention due to his father’s high-profile conviction and imprisonment, marking a notable moment in the ongoing political developments within Enugu State.
