The Chairman, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Prof Chris Ngwu on Thursday paid an unscheduled visit to the Department of Mass Communication, ESUT where he interacted with the Head of Department, Associate Prof Chidiebere Ezinwa.

An elated Prof Ngwu expressed delight that he visited his “home” describing the department as his home adding that it has always been his desire to come and continue to teach the students but regretted that the exigencies of his office made such desire impracticable.

The ENSIEC Chairman noted that he decided to visit the department where he lectured before his appointment in 2023 by the Enugu State Governor to chair the electoral body because of his love for the department – staff and students  

Speaking with ESUT Monitor, the erudite scholar praised the impactful administration of Asso. Prof Ezinwa in the department and made a request to ESUT Management to help unbundle the department into a faculty.

“This is a home coming, I entered Agbai and decided to visit ESUT, particularly my department. I keep yearning to come here, if not for the exigencies of the office, I would be coming here to teach at least twice a month. But it is obvious I can’t make it. For me, it’s a home-coming. I came to see how forward my department has moved.

“I miss my students and colleagues. Sure, I miss the department.” he said

On assessment of Asso. Prof Ezinwa’s administration, Prof Ngwu commended his effort and described him as a “digital HOD”

“The current HOD is digital. When I did mine, I was thinking I was digital, I never knew I was just a little away from analogue. This is a digital HOD, he has transformed the department from what I have seen so far. He has brought in sanity in the department, he is doing wonderfully well.

“So far so good, he is trying his best, of course nobody is perfect. But he should ensure that light is restored, make the department lively so that our studios will be functional. I yearn to be tuning in to the ESUT Radio, to listen to it because as HOD, I brought the licence. It was functional before it was burnt in Enugu which is unfortunate.

“Then he should struggle to get us unbundled, we really need that,” he said.

The ENSIEC Chairman further informed ESUT Monitor that the 2026 Council Elections in Enugu State will hold on September 26

The post ENSIEC Chairman Visits Mass Comm. Dept., Calls for Unbundling appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

As October 5, 2024 date for the Local Government elections in Enugu State draws closer, the Chairman, Enugu State Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Professor Christian Chidubem Ngwu granted ESUT Monitor exclusive interaction regarding the election.

Professor Ngwu, a distinguished academic in media and communication studies at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), hails from Ishi Egu Owo village in Enugu State’s Nkanu local government area. With degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a PhD from ESUT, he is a prominent member of the Nigerian Academy of Learners.

Reflecting on his tenure as ENSIEC Chairman, the ENSIEC boss described it as “very enjoyable, smooth, but a little bit hectic,” particularly with the upcoming elections. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in managing the increasing workload and ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly.

With the local government elections less than two months away, Chidubem affirmed that preparations are well underway. “We are quite ready,” he stated, highlighting efforts in awareness and mobilization through radio. However, logistical movements are pending due to funding constraints, which they hope to address soon.

Emphasizing the importance of the October 5th election date, Prof Ngwu stated its sacrosanct nature, barring unforeseen circumstances. The primary elections will run from August to 16th, followed by campaigns from September 4th to October 4th.

Discussing the recent Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, the erudite scholar noted it does not affect his office. He elaborated on the collaboration with local government officials, particularly in ensuring security and the smooth delivery of election materials.

Addressing concerns about the independence of state electoral commission, Chidubem acknowledged financial dependency on the state government but maintained operational autonomy. “The state doesn’t dictate for us in most cases,” he asserted, “except for funding and staffing.”

He revealed that 18 political parties are registered for the elections, though the final number of contesting parties will be clear post-primaries. He noted the existence of some parties primarily on paper, requiring additional effort to confirm their participation.

On a personal note, Prof Ngwu described his role as ENSEC Chairman as a significant call to service, a challenge he embraces with dedication. “It’s a call to service and to move away from the sures of the classroom for the meantime. And serving the state in another capacity,” he remarked.

The post ENSIEC Chairman Prof Ngwu Discusses Tenure, Preparations for Enugu State Local Government Elections appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah has appointed Professor Chris Ngwu as the Chairman, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIC.

The appointed was contained in a public announcement on Thursday, March 28, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia.

A professor of Mass Communication in the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof Ngwu is bringing his wealth of experience, expertise and charisma to chart a new path for the electoral body in the state.

He replaces Dr Mike Ajogu in the stead.

Professor Ngwu’s major assignment, immeniently, is the conduct of the 2024 Enugu State Council Elections slated to hold on October 5, 2024.

Previously scheduled to hold on February 24, 2024, the local council polls were postponed to October 5 following a court order requesting the Commission to adjust its original guideline and timetable published in the official gazette of Enugu State on Sept. 26, 2023.

The nine-member board of ENSIEC has Barr. Ifesinachi Umeobika as secretary

Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Members:

• Professor Christian C. Ngwu, Chairman
• Solomon Edeh, Member (Re-appointed)
• Chinenyenwa A. Ogbu, Member (Re-appointed)
• Barr. George Obiora Ani, Member (Re-appointed)
• Arthur Ifeanyi Ede, Member
• Barr. Paully Eze, Member
• Emmanuel Ogbodo, Member
• Emeka G. Ukwuaba, Member
• Barr. Ifesinachi Umeobika, Secretary

The post Gov. Mbah Appoints Prof Chris Ngwu As Chairman, Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission appeared first on ESUT Monitor.