There is a wide held notion and rightly so that where there is peace and love, there you will find phenomenal harmony and development. One can confidently assert that compared to other states of the federation where I have taken pains to follow their events, Enugu state remains no one when it comes to socio-political harmony. Little wonder then why the state has experienced exponential development in the hands of Ugwuanyi since he assumed power six years ago. Of course, no investor including government would be willing to risk scarce resources in an environment where chaos and political disharmony reign supreme.
There is no doubt that governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi has been able to influence political harmony through his conscious efforts since assuming power so much so that his ‘peaceful and never wanting to offend any’ dispositions have set up a standard template with which to evaluate both the administrations before him and those coming after him. Today, there is palpable fear that the government after him might not be able to equal his record of ‘wanting to appeal to all’ irrespective of political or clannish leanings.
Compared to how the state has been run previously by the successive administrations, Enugu State has never been unified politically and as peaceful. I still stand to be contradicted on this assertion. There is hardly any past administration that can stand shoulder high in comparison to how the government of Ugwuanyi has welded together every section of the state especially in the political front. Today, even the opposition elements are virtually in disarray and unable to contradict government policies because of the excellent manner Governor Ugwuanyi has involved them in the decision making process of the government. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi it was he who made solemn promise to throw his door wide open at the inception of his administration not only to accommodate constructive criticisms but to welcome ideas that would see to the enthronement of peace, harmony and development of all areas of the state. Ever since, governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi has refused to look back in the breach of this promise but has looked forward towards making every section of the state feel belonged in the governance of the state.
If we clearly remember what happened in the not distant past during the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 and between then and 2003, a total of 5 Speakers of the state House of Assembly were impeached and others elected in their stead as a result of infighting within the flanks of the ruling party and orchestrated largely by the Executive arm of government. Between 2015 and now since the administration of governor Ugwuanyi, only one known Speaker has prevailed in the state House of Assembly. Isn’t this wonderful? It is on record that most states in the present dispensation are having it rough politically and the center can no longer hold because of politics of egocentricsm.
During the period leading to the emergence of Governor Ugwuanyi, the state has equally witnessed some kind of frosty relationship between the Governor and his Deputy leading to the eventual removal via impeachment of a deputy governor over filmsy reasons. Of course, this would be the first time a deputy governor would be removed from office seen to be instigated by the his principal. To the eternal glory of God, Enugu State Government has experienced tremendous harmony within the Executive branch on one hand and between the Executive and the Legislative and Judiciary arm on the other. More heart warming still is the synergy between all the political gladiators in the state which has ensured socio-political and economic harmony. Thanks to governor Ugwuanyi’s political sagacity.
It is on record that the frosty relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm in the past before the present administration had led to a six week siege by the Executive on the Legislature to prevent it from sitting lest it initiates impeachment proceedings on the Governor. It is equally on record that successive leaders in the state before Ugwuanyi have always had to wage political battles of wit with their supposed god fathers. A holistic evaluation of Ugwuanyi’s administration will reveal that such narrative has taken flight and everyone is happier for it.
May I quickly affirm that Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.
Bibian Anekwe News added – “The secret of leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow.” .
Written by
Leonard Ugwu
A Political Analyst
Media Team Member of ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
