Political scientists have often researched into what has been aptly described as an albatross in the field of political plays and gerrymandering. Their focus of investigation have often centered on what political actions and in action accounts for dysfunctional and aggravated turmoil in the socio-political space. For keen watchers of the political culture in our clime, the level of political harmony is as good and guaranteed by the level of cool headedness or otherwise of the political actors in a given political space. It could not be denied that there have always been high level of political disharmony and intolerance among the political actors in Africa, Nigeria inclusive leading to so many unresolved politically motivated killings and maiming to access political power and offices.
The reason for this could not be far flung. Political players in our society have always seen political power as an end and not a means to an end. They have often unpermitted service to the people as a primary motive to seek political power but a curious means to amass common wealth and appropriate state resources to themselves, families and cronies once they seize political power. They are therefore prepared to kill and engage in an unwholesome activities with their perceived opponents just so that the coast might be cleared for their evil ambition. More often than not, it is often those who have the most leadership skills and mission to transform their society that got often felled in their quest to lead their people by the ruthless action of the less endowed gladiators.
Those who are resident of the state and more politically aware citizens of Enugu State would almost certainly testify that the kind of political turmoil and disquiet that had often characterized the state city scape in the time past is almost non existent since the present administration led by an embodiment of peace and humility Rt. Honorable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took over the mantle of leadership over six years ago. Enugu State before our very eyes became a political haven of and destination of sort for aspiring political leaders. A quick background check on the neighboring state of Anambra could reveal palpable tension in the land among those aspiring to take over from Chief Willie Obiano towards the end of the year. The incidence of an assassination attempt on a leading political figure and a gubernatorial aspirant, Professor Chukwuma Soludo is still fresh in our sub conscious. At the end of the day, three innocent security operatives paid the ultimate price. What an unfortunate situation.
As the run up to the 2023 General elections gather momentum, Enugu State has remained largely and relatively peaceful courtesy of a man who desire to entrench lasting peace in the politics of the state. By accommodating all shades of political option irrespective of bent or affiliation, governor Ugwuanyi has proven over time that leadership is possible in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. He has proven the wrong headed politicians wrong by insisting that ultimate power belongs to the people and that no political actor becomes that powerful and popular by working against the people’s interests or being violent to force their loyalty. It could be construed that his seemingly aloofness and tardiness to yet anoint a successor from any of the Senatorial zone might be geared towards maintaining absolute concentration on the business of governance, eliminate distractions and ultimately stabilize the polity for the good of Ndi Enugu. I’m certain that governor Ugwuanyi would not want to enjoy massive disruptions in his government which his early announcement of a successor from any of the zones might trigger off. This is understandable given his culture of peace, love and harmony in the polity. He has therefore kept his preferred candidate up his sleeves as a final joker which will ultimately reduce tension in the polity. Gov. Ugwuanyi is a Stabilizer par excellence.
Another important factor that has cast governor Ugwuanyi in the mould of a political stabilizer is his total rancor free relationship with the elected representatives of the people at the Enugu State House of Assembly. The near state of anarchy that characterized the previous Assemblies regarding its relationship with the successive Executive arms in Enugu could not be wished away either. Previous Speakers of the House have had to be removed at random and indiscriminately by the Executive instigated actions. Today, the Executive and the Legislative arm in the state have had a smooth and impactful relationship since the ascension of Ugwuanyi as governor of the state. The leadership of the Assembly has remained largely stable ever since without unwarranted poke-nosing and interventions in the affairs of the Assembly by the Executive arm. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi is a political storm calmer!
Political watchers have equally marveled at the excellent relationship that has even permeated the Executive organ. No one has ever raised an eyebrow regarding Ugwuanyi’s cordial relationship with his Deputy, Hon. Cecil Ezeilo. It is on record that, Gov. Ugwuanyi has always trusted his Deputy to represent him on a wide range of state functions when he is not readily disposed to attend such events. It is on record too, that Ugwuanyi has remained a shining example among his contemporaries and emerged with an enviable record of a leader who has kept his political aides, commissioners and other government appointees as long as they have been appointed without an attempt to have change of guards. This has largely stabilized his government and his far reaching obligations to the people.
Almost on daily basis, change of guards and cabinet members have become like a regular feature of most state governments. This is therefore a salute to a gifted man of peace and harmony who understands perfectly how to oil the wheel of government to maximally benefit the people he is leading. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant Ndi Enugu another political social Stabilizer.
Enugu state truly remains in the hands of God.
Bibian Anekwe News…added…Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant
Written by
Leonard Ugwu
A political Analyst
Media Team Member: Enugu di n’akachukwu movement
