A Political Scientist, Ambrose Bierce took a swipe at the political class and concluded with his description of politics as a strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles… The conduct of public affairs for private advantage”. While this assertion might be universally applied, the denotative implications of this description is more at home in our clime. Though, we might point to a few among the political class who have distinguished themselves with regard to the conduct of public affairs for public advantage. Yet, they remain in the minority.
Interestingly, the Holy writ of Christian religion is replete with wisdom quotes inspired to guide the steps of man as he journeys towards his eternal destination amidst unsettling temporal cares. One of such didactic counsels, was a subtle caveat raised by the God-man, Jesus of Nazareth, that it was in the tranquility of the night that the enemy sowed weeds in the farm where good seeds were planted (Matt. 13: 24- 30).
What this parable was meant to teach is that man has to be careful and vigilant, for the agents of disorder are always on the prowl at the most peaceful periods. Mischievous people hate tranquility. They thrive amidst distraught, disaffection and chaos.
Enugu has the official moniker of Coal City state. But since 2015, when a prince of peace mounted her ship as captain, the “Coal” in the mnemonic effortlessly transmogrified to “Cool.” And that’s how the new slogan that reputed Enugu as “Cool City” came about. It was an involuntary appreciation of the genial peace, law and order that serenades the atmosphere, which His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi breathed into the state since he assumed office as Governor.
Detractors have been digging hard to forment trouble and taking undue advantage to cause mischief. But it is hard to find a leeway, when the governor has a watertight sociopolitical peace arrangement on ground. But naysayers don’t sleep, neither do they slumber.
Suddenly, 2022 arrived, with the frenzy of 2023 in its itinerary, and it twinges their brain, how the state can make a peaceful transition from Gov. Ugwuanyi to another without the usual shenanigans. If that happens without debacles, it will defile the reality that in our clime, more politicians than statesmen play politics. It takes them (detractors) to stir the waters, in untoward attempts to truncate the process.
They have been on duty for a while now. But the calm nature of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi have often confounded them. He remained unruffled amidst the hullabaloo. In Gov. Ugwuanyi we saw exactly what Henry Kissinger taught that “ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.” He had kept his leadership garb unstained.
But enemies of the states keeps falsely accusing him of sponsoring one of the many contestants for governorship. The use of Peter Mba’s declaration to run for governorship to blackmail Gov. Ugwuanyi is the most laughable of all comedies these jesters has been churning out lately.
The unfounded claim was actually aimed at heating up the polity while they clandestinely continue to sow the weeds among the crops. His Excellency, the people’s governor has never and will never play such unholy role in politics. He is a father to all, and not even the cheap blackmail of his cynics will make him change his mind. He respects the fundamental rights of all the contestants and gives level playing grounds for everyone in the interest of fairness.
The only Governor who gave equal government patronage in terms of infrastructural development to Nkanu zone, Nsukka zone and Udi zone respectively cannot be safely accused of favouritism without falsehood being detected at the surface. Anyone who has grouse against Peter Mba’s legitimate right to vote and be voted should use the appropriate channel to ventilate their inordinate anger, and leave governor alone. The idea of convicting a soul without trial is regrettable.
God bless Enugu state, and may he spare the people from thriving in motley of dishevelment.
Written by
Hon.Bibian Anekwe.
Director General of ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
*www.bibiananekwe.com*
