NAN-AE-14
Relocation
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a motion authorising the relocation of the Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd to the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Rice Mill Industry.
The relocation debacle was ignited by the immediate past government in the state which made the operators to seek redress at the National Industrial Court.
The present administration on assumption of office in May 2015 approached the millers for an amicable resolution of the impasse and this resulted in the withdrawal of the matter from the court.
The assembly made the resolution while reviewing a letter from the state governor, requesting the purchase of a three-tone per hour UNIDO Rice Mill by the Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Francis Nwifuru, commended the governor for approaching it for the approval, noting that it was its constitutional right to do so.
“The rice millers who were the highest bidders in the bidding process are also suitable because they have been in the business of rice milling for long.
“They should, however, realise that to make the facility viable to meet government’s aim of selling it, they should relocate to the UNIDO Rice Mill Industry in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area.
“The relocation will ensure that the facility functions optimally to meet the government aspirations of its sale and enhance rice production in the state,” he said.
Chief Chris Usulor (PDP-Ezza South) had remarked in his contribution that the sale would enhance rice production which the state was known for.
“The UNIDO Rice Mill Industry is a state-of –the art facility and will permanently end the rift between the government and Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd,” he said.
Mr Chike Ogiji (PDP-Ikwo South) noted that the sale was thoughtful because the government has been known to be a poor manager of business enterprises.
“I urge my colleagues to support the motion as it is an important policy of government in its bid to meet the internal and external rice needs of the state and country,” he said.
The assembly also made a resolution, suggesting to the state government to re-name the international market in Abakaliki after the late Mrs Magareth Umahi, Gov. David Umahi’s late mother.
Mr Onu Nwonye (PDP-Ohaozara West) moved the motion and noted that it would be a befitting honour for the governor’s mother who died on Oct. 6, 2015.
“Today marks the one year remembrance of her death and naming such edifice after our mother general would be befitting for a woman who contributed to the development of the state,” he said.
The speaker urged the members to accept the proposal as the late woman contributed to the peace, growth and development of the state. (NAN)
RCO/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)