Ever heard of the phrase “sure banker”?
Perhaps those who existed pre year 2000 may never have so much difficulty discerning the origin of the above phrasal expression in our lexicon. Such phrasal expressions was synonymous with the betting models of the classical period and made profound by the adherents of the pools betting. All one has to do to convince the numerous apostles of the betting game to stake their hard earned money is to assure them that the imaginary scores on display of yet to be determined English soccer competition of that period will fetch them fortune in Naira and Kobo if they choose to bet. It is still common these days to hear modern adherents to the modernized betting game in a bid to convince whoever wants to bet their money that certain “divinely inspired number ranges” will win for them or that such other spiritually inspired scoreline is assured if only they will put their money down and fortune will smile at them.
Looking at the antics of the yester-years and present day betters, one is sure to discover a common thread. This thread has become a function of an assurance that victory is certain if one ties his or her belief or faith to a game not yet played. If we ever try to match this to many of the political unplayed games, then we would have come closer to reality. We may have heard such other expressions as “I can take his word to the bank” making bank synonymous with safety and security. Contemporary politicians in comparison with their classical counterparts have often punctured this all important attribute of honesty, integrity and truth between them and those they claim to hold government in trust for. It is indeed disheartening to understand that most politicians have failed to carry out about 80% promises made to the electorates during their electioneering campaigns when they finally assumed office. Most of them would have turned tigers and remained largely unapproachable save for their cronies and family members. Their many promises would have failed the “sure banker’s” test.
Deriving from the above foregrounding, would it be out of place if we tag Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as belonging to the league of “talk-na-do” leaders? Essentially leaders who we can take their words or promises to the bank of safety and security? Certainly not! Governor Ugwuanyi have consistently shown capacity as a “sure banker” leader. He is truly a leader we can believe to deliver on his political promises. As the year 2021 gradually shuts behind the curtain, one is bound to remember many of the political and economic challenges that shook the nation and component states to it’s foundation. Since Enugu State is not immune to many of such unwarranted challenges, governor Ugwuanyi had often stepped forward to show leadership to assure his people that their mandate on him was not misplaced. This piece may not be able to recount in more detail for want of time and space where and how Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has had his compassionate mien thrust out to assure the citizens that government indeed exists to serve the people and not the other way round. When the news was all over the place that some unknown arsonists have invaded the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities headquarters in Enugu sometime in the month of May, 2021, governor Ugwuanyi was on hand to pledge his administration’s commitment to rebuild and rehabilitate the facility which fell with the activities of the arsonists. Seven months down the road after the solemn pledge, governor Ugwuanyi delivered the renovated burnt facility to the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr. Emeka Joseph Ononamadu. What sure banker could be more assured than this? This promise was kept in spite of the dwindling resources faced by many states in the federation including Enugu. Hon. Mrs. Mabel Agbo, the Commissioner for Special Duties acknowledged this much while handing over the renovated structure to the REC. Hear her “… the state government in spite of its dwindling resources went ahead to fulfill the promise to contribute to the strengthening of the electoral process as well as encourage continuous improvement of the conduct of elections in the country”.
This gesture has once again confirmed Ugwuanyi as a people oriented leader and as one who places God and the people first. It again reinforces his attitude of placing priorities to the things that affects the people no matter the cost implications or on whose shoulders such projects rests upon. The Independent National Electoral Commission it must be emphasized is a federal Agency and it is the responsibility of the federal government to rebuild its facility wherever they are located. Let’s give it to Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as a true Leader of the people.
Bibian Anekwe News added: “Leaders come in two flavors, expanders and containers. The best leadership teams have a mix of both.”
Written by
Austin Okechukwu Chijioke.
A Public Affairs Commentator.
Media Team Member of ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
