By Chibunna Benedict Eze.
In one of the classical novels of all times, ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell, he averred that any project or endeavor which cannot speak for itself is a failure. Apparently Mr. Orwell aligns with the school of thought that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. Perhaps, this school of thought is at the center of every human endeavor ranging from leadership, entrepreneurship and politics. It is again important to situate the above assertion of Mr. Orwell’s endeavors speaking for itself in a manner that suggests that a good product is that which speaks for itself and does not necessarily meant to be advertised to attract patronage in contrast to a bad product. Taking the issue of leadership for an example, it is always less successful for anyone to husband the reputation of any politician or public figure without some definite achievements to anchor with. Therefore, praise singing without any evidence will always be an exercise in futility and a venture that will not satisfy its mission or see the light of the day.
That the incumbent governor of the coal city state, Rt. Honorable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a good product is as lucid as the assertion in the George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a politician no doubt, but one in a class of his own. Therefore, the time has come to smash the gloomiest myths about Nigeria’s politicians by giving honour to whom it is appropriately due. This is because it is human nature and particularly in the character of mischievous persons to always focus on the bad news rather than the good ones about people, events and places. There has been serious negative perceptions of politics and their players in our clime. Therefore it is not had to detect the feelings of an average citizen towards an average politician. The poor performance index and attitudes of an average politician have been largely responsible for these negative perception. One politician who had stood out like a colossus that he is among the packs is no other than the incumbent governor of Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This gentleman politician does not need any propaganda machinery or some kind of image cleaners. He is a good product speaking for himself and his administration. Ugwuanyi’s administration is not in the business of talking or seeking for who will speak on its behalf. Rather, it has chosen to set out goals and has determined to stop at nothing than to develop the state. As it is today, the people have willingly become the image launders and positive mouthpiece of the Ugwuanyi’s government. This is because, for years since Enugu State was created the indigenes have not seen the level of infrastructural development save from the tenures of Sen. Chimaroke Nnamani, the first civilian governor of the state (1999-2007) and that of the Sullivan Chime (2007-2015).
Politics has not been idle or meaningless under Ugwuanyi’s administration and in trying to curb the behavioral ills associated with government contracts, there has been proper checks and balances since Ugwuanyi came on board as the CEO of the state. The state government is doing its best to change the complexion of politics from self-enrichment to selfless service to the people and state. However, it would not be easy to dismiss some elements of glib among politicians in the state. Without doubt, Rt. Hon.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has definitely taken the state to unique heights and on the lips of Enugu people speaks volume of his performance. I traversed the state recently, and the level and quality of road rehabilitation I saw in the state is absolutely amazing. Roads in the ancient city among others in the state are either rehabilitated or constructed afresh to link up with the villages and the hinterlands.
Politics and performance have not been this smooth in the state. Therefore, it is magical in the eyes of many and to show the level of their ecstasy, ndi Enugu has resorted to calling their governor as ‘Mr Project’ ‘Mr Fulfilment’ However, the governor being who he is, simply selfless, humble and filled with humane character does not allow arrogance of power to engulf him. Therefore, he constantly attributes his success to the peace that exists among the people in the state. The other day, while receiving members of the state council of traditional rulers, he said, “Traditional rulers in the state have done so much for us, you are architects of peace in our state. When the various Kingdoms are at peace with themselves, God will bless the state…”
Indeed, Rt Hon.Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a blessing to the state looking at the arrays of achievements connected to his government. It has always been the headache of political parties during elections to worry about who occupies the Government House. Ordinarily, Enugu people have no angst about who is the henchman or woman, which makes it possible for citizens of the state to ask questions when things are going wrong and speak in praise when it is necessary just as it is the case now.
The task and demonstration that government is capable of fighting off corruption to a manageable extent has shown in Ugwuanyi’s performance and attitude towards the business of governance. According to the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, who recently inspected facilities at Enugu Tech Hub said: “Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is always a very serious minded person, very focused, principled and always committed to doing the right thing, I have been informed how he ensured transparency in the concessioning of the Tech Hub in Enugu. Some of his friends bid for the project and lost, and in the interest of his people, he did not interfere and did not care whether his friends lost but what he wanted was quality and the right people to run the tech hub and I think this is what will help our nation”.
The conclusion of this matter is that Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s performance has provided an enduring underpinning that government is a continuum. Instead of chasing shadows in the name of probe, investigation and heaping blames on previous administration, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has chosen to hit the ground running. Equally encouraging under Ugwuanyi’s administration is the ability to house all government agencies and parastatals under one roof at the state secretariat by completing and equipping the building project his predecessor started. This has not only saved the government huge revenue on rents but also allow quick attention to the business of governance.
Truly! Enugu State is in the Hand of God.
BIBIAN ANEKWE NEWS ADDED…”People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” Gov. Ugwuanyi are both.
Written by
Chibunna Benedict Eze.
MEDIA TEAM MEMBER OF ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
