Ahead of 2023 general elections in the country and as the Nation continues its search for that detribalize Nigerian with the wisdom of King Solomon of the old and unequal Courage of the Biblical Daniel, it is instructive at this juncture to submit that the peaceful disposition of such personality and his passion for delivering good governance should form the fulcrum for this plum job quest.
Already, it has become an established fact that in the past fews years, following the horrifying activities of Boko-Haram sect, Banditry activities by hoodlums and several other merchants of evil across the federation, that Nigeria as a country has become a shadow of itself, with countless lives of our people being wrapped into their early graves with no workable solution in sight. Not yet.
However, in such imbroglio in which we have found ourselves as a nation, the situation as it is, only requires an introspection devoid of ethnic cleavages and Political colorations from concerned Nigerians, so as to deliver ‘the best among equals’ to the Nigerian People who on daily basis crave for respite.
And this is where I bring you His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, whose deployment of a combined strategy of Peace and good governance in Enugu State, has sent a strong signal to the world that with these two powerful tools, any government anywhere can go to bed with both eyes closed .
“Peace according to Marcus Tullius Cicero “is liberty in tranquility.”
And in the words of Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, Sustainable development is ‘the pathway to the future we want for all.’ Ban Ki, who was former South Korean diplomat and politician went further to explain that ‘Good Governance offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.’
From the foregoing and to demonstrate his leadership intelligence, Governor Ugwuanyi after the 2019 general elections co-opted most of us who ran elections in other political parties but lost, and even handed us the rare opportunity of serving in his cabinet. For the purpose of emphasis, I had ran election to represent the good people of Uzo-Uwani/Igboetiti federal constituency in the green chamber, under the All Progressives Congress (APC). But today, I am his Special Adviser on Inter-Party affairs.
His other towering steps aimed at achieving peace in the state include his gale of appointment of Youths into sensitive governmental positions as SPA’s, SSA’s, SA’s and TA’s with the purpose of grooming this teaming population for the task of leading the society in the nearest future, stands him out as ‘visionary leader’ who sees ahead of his time.
And to further this course, the state has embarked on several youth oriented programs to engage this group in ventures that would make them partners in progress. Such programs include his recent training of 600 Women and 400 Youths on Software and Wealth Creation Tech Courses, his empowerment of thousands of youths in skills acquisition under Enugu State Small and Medium enterprises (SME centre), awarding of scholarships to several thousands of students (among which were indigent students presently studying at Mewar University, India), his engagement of thousands of youths to clean up the state, under Enugu Clean Team Project, etcetera.
And with the state youths engaged and peace achieved as shared above, the governor delved into delivering the gains of good governance to the people of the state through his massive construction of roads, modern buildings, rural development programs, monumental investments in health sector, education, Agriculture, water, housing, investment promotion, provision of adequate security, prioritisation of workers’ welfare, remodeling of the state fire service, infrastructural intervention in the state judiciary, rapid response on Covid-19 pandemic, empowerment, etcetera.
Above all, the Governor wears the garb as Governor across boundaries, as he shoulders the responsibility of charting the course of every indigene and resident of the state, irrespective of his or her religion, region, political coloration, Creed, among others.
Finally, come 2023 and as the Southeast clamours for Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, Governor Ugwuanyi stands tall and out, as one who will come to calm the frayed nerves of Nigerias across divide; and then, restore the lost hope and confidence in the Nation’s leadership. To the glory of God.
“Ka Chineke Mezie Okwu.”
Rt. Hon. Barr. Jonathan Chukwuma, a former Deputy Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly and Special Adviser on Inter Party affairs to the Governor wrote from Enugu.
By Jonathan Chukwuma