For so many years now, the traditional institutions have been kept in the lurch in the political scheme of things especially in the Eastern region of Nigeria. The council of traditional rulers have been strident in their clamour and demand for a constitutional role. Traditional rulers represent a very vital segment of the governed society and are very closer to the grass-roots where government policies and programs have closer and direct impacts.
These clamor and demands for a change of attitude from the traditional institutions to the state governments to enable them have a say in the governance processes have continued unabated until the coming of governor Ugwuanyi.
Governor Ugwuanyi in his avowal to make a lasting statement, shifted attention of the government from the urban cities to the rural areas where he has made tremendous progress in rural renewal. The giant progress made in this regard could not be unrelated to Gburu-Gburu’s astuteness and sagacity as manager of men and resources. He carefully deployed his managerial acumen by positively engaging the traditional rulers and impressing it upon them to rise to the occasion of governing their respective communities by keying into relevant government policies and programs. He has thus made governance so simple and easy for traditional rulers. He has never made any subtle moves to lord it over the traditional rulers as we are wont to see in so many states around the country nighter has he threatened any of them with removal or suspension. He has shown unshakable belief in the traditional institution as equal stakeholders in the promotion of peace, socio-economic growth and an egalitarian society. This has made Enugu state a very cool and homely state. Governor Ugwuanyi have curbed crime and communal clashes with the traditional rulers. During the heat of corona virus, the traditional rulers were effectively utilized to stem the tide in rural areas. As Fulani headers are running riot in other state, Enugu state have been cool and peaceful. There are headers in Enugu but there has been no fight with them after the unfortunate incident which happened at Nimbo in the early era of Ugwuanyi administration. This is because the traditional rulers have risen up to the challenge and have conscientiously hearkened to the admonition of the Governor on peace and nation building.
There was a time secret cult raised it ugly head in secondary schools. The traditional rulers rose to the challenge especially in rural areas and it was well check mated.
The traditional rulers have effectively galvanized themselves into a force to recone with. This is because Gov Ugwuanyi set the machinery in motion. The traditional rulers have effectively used the neighbourhood watch to protect lives and properties of people in Enugu state.
Last week, I was having a conversation with a traditional ruler who revealed to me that he has foot soldiers who monitors every movement in his kingdom. While we were still talking, he got a call of a strange voice. The caller was eventually trailed and his mission known. This is one of what Gov Ugwuanyi’s partnership with traditional rulers have produced.
The traditional ruler confirmed to me the depth of progress made in Enugu Ezike on the issues of security as leveraging on Ugwuanyi’s governance approach has made a significant difference. With this partnership, peace has found a home in Enugu state. If such relationship is replicated in other states of Nigeria, there will not be any communal clash nor headers/ farmers fight in Nigeria.
In all this we say Enugu state is in the hand of God.
BIBIAN ANEKWE NEWS ADDED ” WE THANK OUR ROYAL FATHERS FOR SUPPORTING GOV. IFEANYI UGWUANYI ADMINISTRATION
Written by
Leonard Ugwu
MEDIA TEAM MEMBER OF ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
