A popular English idiom has it that, “birds of the same feather, flock together”. The above aphorism, can be likened to the historical meeting of Governors in the South under the aegis of Southern Governors Forum in Asaba, the Delta State Capital after several years in the limbo. The aim of the congregates was to chart ways and means to address the pertinent issues and challenges bedeviling the country, which has raised serious concerns in the southern part of Nigeria.
It is important to stress that even before the Southern Governors summit in Asaba, Delta state, his Excellency the governor of Enugu state has started and domesticated so many of the far reaching agenda slated for their deliberations. The issue of insecurity which had posed serious challenge to the survival of the nation state has for long received copious attention of Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi and so for being part of the Asaba Agenda is a true confirmation of Ugwuanyi’s true position on the ensuing resolutions of the Southern Governors. It must be pointed out that Gov.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as a visionary leader, had through an enactment of the Enugu State House of Assembly formally constituted and launched into full operation, Enugu State Forest Guards and Neighborhood Watch, a combat ready security network, charged with the responsibility of securing the people of Enugu State against theft, armed robbery, banditry, herders conflicts with the farmers and other forms of criminality.The novel security outfit of the state had since inception, received, adequate funding and monthly remuneration for it’s personnel and other incentives as approved.
In other to meet up with the best practices, the men and women of the state owned security aparatichik, had apart from their initial training, been undergoing series of retraining exercises.
It is often said in popular Igbo adage that the owner of a house which is on fire, does not go hunting the bush rats. It would seem that the Southern governors have slept for so long while their houses were on fire but not so for Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Again our people are in accord with “Osita Di Mma”. It is not too late to salvage the ugly situation. The Southern governors must be commended for waking up from their deep slumber to confront a common enemy and for Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for showing enough light in this direction. His active participation during the summit in Asaba is a true sign of a leader who would always work in the interest of the people. The detractors and rumour mongers had sometime ago, labeled Gov.Ugwuanyi an ardent supporter of Fulani herdsmen because according to them, Gov Ugwuanyi blatantly refused to ban open cattle grazing. Gov. Ugwuanyi as a wise leader didn’t approach the matter iron to iron as the violent lovers and detractors would have him do. Rather as a man of due process, he allowed the law to take it’s course thereby putting necessary machinery to checkmate their activities which is part of the constitutional duties of Enugu State Forest Guards.
Another area of grave concern which received extensive emphasis from the State Chief Executive Officers was the need to review appointments into Federal Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect the federal character. Gburugburu, translated in English as “All way round”, runs an open policy and inclusive based government where every part of the State is actively represented. In his cabinet composition, he ensured that every section of the state is part of the decision making processes in government.
Governor Ugwuanyi’s position on zoning is another pointer to a man who believes in “ENYE NDI EBEA, ENYE NDI EBEA” as the best form of ensuring political peace and stability. And as a man of peace and a strong advocate of egalitarianism, Gov.Ugwuanyi had not stopped preaching and disseminating to every sections of the State,the need to imbibe the gospel of peace and transformation which is centered on giving what is due, to who is due and as at when due.
BIBIAN ANEKWE NEWS.. ADDED. ” “You can have anything you want in life if you just help enough people to get what they want.”
Written by
Gibson Uchenna Ilozuru
A Political Analyst
MEDIA TEAM MEMBER OF ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
