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Tag: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

  • Jubilation as Ugwuanyi settles Oruku, Umuode age-long dispute

    There was jubilation in Enugu state on Saturday as governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi finally settled the age-long inter-communal hostilities between Oruku and Umuode communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area, as the leaders of the two communities signed agreement on land ownership and boundary delineation at the Government House, Enugu.

    The two communities had been in communal dispute over land ownership for more than two decades leading to persistent civil unrest despite interventions by past administrations.

    Ugwuanyi, who on several occasions had visited the hitherto warring communities on peace interventions, promised that his administration will resolve the crisis in line with its peace and grassroots development initiatives.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi calls for prayers for nation

    Announcing the final resolution of the inherent issues that were responsible for the conflict, shortly after the agreement was signed, the Permanent Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer to the Governor, Barr. Emma Ugwu, said the development was “consequent upon series of conciliatory meetings between the parties at the instance of His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State.”

    He added that Ugwuanyi delightfully congratulated the people of Oruku and Umuode communities, especially their leadership and representatives for their contributions towards the “consensus building project” and the realisation of peace in the area.

    The governor also acknowledged and appreciated the sacrifices made by good-spirited indigenes of the communities in ensuring the success of the peace initiatives.

     

  • 9th Speakership race: Ugwuanyi delivers eight Enugu members-elect to Gbajabiamila

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged support for the candidature of Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase for the position of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.

    Ugwuanyi made the pledge on Monday at the Government House, Enugu while receiving the 103 members-elect on the Gbajabiamila/Wase on consultation drive to the Southeast and Southsouth.

    He made good the pledge by delivering the eight members-elect from the State to the Gbajabiamila/Wase team.

    The governor handed over the four members-elect, who were present at the consultation meeting to Gbajabiamila, while he made phone calls to the absent four for the decision taken.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi preaches peace, unity, progress

    Ugwuanyi, who was a former member of the House, served as Chairman Committee on Marine for two terms while Gbajabiamila was a member.

    “I commend the wisdom and initiative behind this aspiration and I wish you well,” he added.

    Gbajabiamila promised to run an all- inclusive leadership saying “That office would be for your State, we will support all your demands in the House. It is going to be an office for all States”.

  • NFF appoints Christian Chukwu “Life Ambassador’’

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the immediate employment of Emeka Chukwu, the first son of ailing former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu.

    This is just as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick on Wednesday announced the appointment of the former coach as NFF Ambassador.

    The appointments came simultaneously when the NFF boss in company of Ugwuanyi and the Chairman of Otedola Foundation visited Chukwu in his Enugu residence.

    Commissioner for Sports, Josef Udedi made the announcement after a closed door meeting between the delegation and the family of Chukwu.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi appoints Christian Chukwu as Rangers GM

    Udedi said that the engineering graduate would be given automatic employment by the state government.

    On his part, Pinnick said that the NFF would approve an appointment for the former skipper of the Green Eagles as a Life Ambassador of the organisation.

    He said that the management of the NFF would work out a stipend that would be paid to him.

    Udedi said that the football house was desirous of improving the welfare of ex-internationals.

    He said that one of the objectives of the proposed NFF Foundation was to build a database of every player that represented the country whether in the past or in time to come.

    NAN reports that a cheque of N18million was presented to Chukwu for his foreign medical trip by the Otedola Foundation.

    NAN

     

  • Ugwuanyi’s re-election and reality of good governance

    THE post-election actions and inactions of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in Enugu State in sustaining the tempo of peace and good governance have further demonstrated the governor’s sheer dexterity, vision, passion and commitment to rapid development of the state as well as the wellbeing of the people.

    Ugwuanyi, who was overwhelmingly reelected through an election that was adjudged as one of the most peaceful and transparent exercise in the nation’s history, has remained grateful to God and residents of Enugu State for His abundance of grace and the people’s unceasing prayers, show of solidarity, goodwill and support. The governor saw the people’s love and support as a re-investment of their trust and faith in his administration to render more selfless service.

    The renewed mandate was therefore, a veritable platform to continue to reward them with good governance as the true heroes of democracy.

    Consequently, Gov. Ugwuanyi in his acceptance speech pledged “to devote our energies and time to work hard for the wellbeing and prosperity of all our people”, declaring that “now is the time to get back to work”. He reaffirmed his resolve to continue to serve with the fear of God to improve the lives of the people and lift the state to unprecedented heights of development and progress.

    Shortly after his reelection, the governor, who had earlier paid ‘Thank-you visits’ to markets and streets of Enugu, returned to the streets on a post-contract inspection of roads such as the old UNTH road, Enugu, Ogidi Street and Onyeama lane in Asata, Enugu, preparatory to immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction.

    He also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of Carter Street, Asata, Enugu, which was awarded by his administration during the pre-election period, as well as the erosion menace at Okwuosa Bridge, Ogui, Enugu, where he promised a swift intervention.

    A few days after, contracts for execution of the inspected projects and many others, such as the zonal secretariat annex at Nsukka town and additional works at Nkwo Inyi-Akpugoeze-Mamu Forest road in Oji River Local Government Area and Nike Lake junction – Harmony Estate road  Amorji Nike – Adoration Pilgrimage centre (Phase one), were awarded, totaling over N1.1 billion.

    Also in the post-election period, the Ugwuanyi administration awarded multiple contracts for the construction/reconstruction of urban and rural roads and 263 classroom blocks including the purchase of two Hilux vans for effective monitoring and supervision of the projects.

    Approval was also given for the construction of a state-of-the-art administrative building of the Enugu State University of Education in Ihe, Awgu Local Government Area. The foundation-laying of the first university of education in the entire Southeast geopolitical zone was performed by Gov. Ugwuanyi few days ago amid jubilation and excitement.

    The state government during the period under review also approved the purchase of 22,150 set of lockers and chairs for students; 1,228 set of tables and chairs for the teachers; 1, 130 marker boards for teaching and 1,960 ceiling fans for conducive learning environment, amongst numerous ongoing projects.

    Other development projects that received the approval of the government for “better urban, inter-local government and community road infrastructure”, include, Aludele road, Nsukka; Bishop’s Court road, Awgu; Access road to Igbo Ano Specialist Hospital, Igbo Ano, and failed culvert, pavement and surfacing at Onuiyi road, Nsukka adjacent to Zik’s residence.

    All the projects were in keeping with the governor’s commitment to full implementation of the 2019 budget to advance the cause of development in the state for the wellbeing of the people.

    Recently, Enugu State came second in the list of the five most reformed states in ease of doing business in the country that were rewarded by the Federal Government at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards 2019.

    On the journey so far, the World Bank Ease of Doing Report in 2014 ranked Enugu State 27 out of the 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja on “where it is easy to start a business and where not.”

    On his assumption of office in 2015, Ugwuanyi, promised to ensure a significant increase in the state’s rating through innovations and far-reaching reforms and transformation of the commercial environment, es and programmes that affect ease of doing business in the state.

    institutions, regulations, policies, processes and programmes that affect ease of doing business in the state.

    The consequential effect of the initiatives was the quantum leap of the state’s rating from 27th position in 2014 to 3rd in 2018 by the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index.

    Not too long ago, Enugu State was singled out and praised for its resilience, consistency and commitment to sustainable reforms and innovations, at the two-day workshop organised by the Southeast Governors Forum to review the region’s performance on ease of doing business and also appreciate reforming states.

    From the foregoing, Gov. Ugwuanyi’s sustained tempo of rapid development of the state after his reelection, his administration’s outstanding performance in the 2018 World Bank Ranking vis-à-vis the recent prestigious award by PEBEC, the commendations from various institutions and relevant stakeholders, and the existing peace in the state, among others, are eloquent testimonies to the reality of good governance in Enugu State.

    Now that it has ended in praise and the good works have continued, the onus is on the people to remain steadfast in their unceasing prayers and unwavering support for the high performing governor for his administration to do more in the coming tenure. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.

  • Tribunal strikes out petition challenging Ugwuanyi’s victory

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu on Monday struck out the petition filed by Action Peoples Party (APP) challenging the victory of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

    The tribunal, chaired by Justice I. M. Sambo, struck out the petition after entertaining a motion on notice for the withdrawal of the petition.

    Counsel to the petitioner/applicant, Mr Obed Agu, told the tribunal that the petitioner had resolved to discontinue with the process as filed.

    He prayed the tribunal to strike out the petition, pursuant to Rule 29, Rules of Procedure of Election Petitions.

    “The petitioner filed a notice of withdrawal of the petition before the tribunal.

    “We, therefore, seek the order of the tribunal granting leave to the petitioner/applicant to withdraw the petition in its entirety, and consequential order striking out the petition,” Agu said.

    In her submission, Mrs A.J. Offiah (SAN), counsel to the governor and first respondent, said that they had entered appearance after being served with the petition.

    Read Also: Buhari, security chiefs meet in Aso Rock

    “We concede that we were served with an application for the withdrawal and dismissal of the petition,” she said.

    Offiah said that they had filed and served the petitioner/applicant, an affidavit against illegal terms of withdrawal, adding that they were not opposed to the application.

    The tribunal consequently dismissed and struck out the petition and awarded no cost to the respondents.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other counsels present during the sitting are counsels to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chief A. I. Ani and Mr Humphrey Okoli respectively.

  • Enugu election tribunal receives three petitions

    The Governorship/State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal in Enugu has received only three petitions from the March 9 elections in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A NAN check at the tribunal’s secretariat on Saturday in Enugu reveals that two petitions are challenging the declaration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the winner of the governorship election.

    One of the petitions was filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Ayogu Eze, while the other emanated from Action People’s Party (APP).

    Eze, in the petition, did not join the APC as one of the claimants in the suit just as the APP did not join its candidate as a claimant in their suit.

    The third petition was filed by the candidate of the APC for Enugu East II State Constituency, Mr Somadina Ugwu, challenging his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart as winner of the poll.

    The candidacy of Eze in the election was voided by an Abuja Federal High Court but restored by an appellate court two days to the election.

    He, consequently, appealed for the postponement of the election in the state, citing the prevailing circumstance to enable them to gather their acts for the polls.

    However, on the election day, Eze announced his withdrawal from the race in protest and directed his supporters not to participate in the exercise.

  • Ugwuanyi places N5m bounty on nurse’s killers

    IN a firm demonstration of his administration’s utmost concern and commitment to apprehending those behind the assassination of the Head of Nursing Services at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Mrs. Maria Amadi, Enugu State governor,  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has offered N5 million to any person or persons with information on the perpetrators.

    The governor made the offer when members of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Enugu State Chapter, accompanied by Joint Health Sector Union and Association of Resident Doctors, visited him at the Government House, Enugu, to seek his intervention towards unraveling of the assassins.

    Ugwuanyi disclosed that the money will be made available immediately to the State Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Balarabe, stressing that it will go a long way in ensuring that those who perpetrated the dastardly act were apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

    Read also: Harvest of murders in Enugu

    He condemned the unfortunate incident and promised “to get to the root of this crime.” He also commiserated with the families of the deceased and her colleagues, saying: “I am sincerely saddened by the gruesome murder of your colleague. I share in your grief. It is a solemn moment for all right-thinking persons.”

    He promised to do all that was possible to give the late Dr. Amadi justice and ensure that such heinous act does not recur in the state.

  • Ugwuanyi, deputy, others receive Certificate of Return

    Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Wednesday received his Certificate of Return as Governor- Elect in the March 9th Governorship Election held in the state.

    The governor, alongside his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and other elected members of the state Assembly received their certificates of return at the headquaters of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) in Enugu.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Dr. Emeka Ononammadu, noted that it was gratifying that the electoral process ended in peace with all promises of fairness, openness and neutrality kept.

    “It was a tortuous journey that did not come at zero cost but it is also a journey that the entire nation is poised to learn from Enugu,” he stated.

    The governor-elect, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi stated that they had prayed for a peaceful and transparent election and commended efforts of security agencies during the process.

    A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, who also spoke at the occasion said INEC could no longer afford to plan in an uncertain environment.

    Okoye, who is the commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, disclosed that the independent National Electoral Commission would embark on aggressive constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

  • INEC to propose constitutional amendment to overhaul electoral process

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will embark on aggressive constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

    The commission also promised to consider the duality of electronic and manual collation and transmission of results to prevent noticeable lapses.

    A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu during the presentation of Certificates of Return to elected members of state assembly, governor and deputy governor-elect in the March 9 elections.

    Okoye, who is the commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, said that the commission could no longer afford to plan in an uncertain environment.

    He said that a section of the political class had refused to imbibe the democratic spirit that puts obedience and respect to constitutional dictates at the centre.

    “While the commission acknowledges the need for constitutional and electoral renewal, the greater challenge lies in the bad behavior of a section of the political class.

    “It is very clear that some of the provisions in the Constitution and Electoral Act must be realigned to meet the expectations of our people.

    “The commission will take a second look at the timeline for the disposal of pre-election matters and propose an amendment to the National Assembly,” he said.

    Okoye said that the commission would favour an amendment that would lead to the disposal of all pre-election matters at least 45 days to holding of elections.

    He said that INEC would take steps that would prevent political thugs from storming collation centres in search of results.

    The commissioner charged the beneficiaries of the certificates to live up to the expectations of their people.

    “The validity of the certificates rests with the people of the state. It is within their constitutional mandate to renew, withdraw and or elevate it,” Okoye said.

    Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Emeka Ononammadu, said that the state office of the commission would be fair to all part during post-election activities.

    Ononammadu said such activities include reverse logistics and tribunal matters.

    He said that it was gratifying that the electoral process ended in peace with all promises of fairness, openness and neutrality kept.

    “It was a tortuous journey that did not come at zero cost but it is also a journey that the entire nation is poised to learn from Enugu,” Ononammadu said.

    In a remark after collecting his certificate of return, the governor-elect, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said they had prayed for a peaceful and transparent election.

    Ugwuanyi commended efforts of security agencies during the process.

    He said his administration would continue to serve with the fear of God.

  • Ugwuanyi at 55: Glowing in service of the people

    In this piece, Louis Amoke extols the virtues of Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who clocks 55 today.

    The good news about Enugu State under the watch of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is that since the governor entrusted the state to the hands of God, the goodness of God has continued to be made manifest in its affairs, to the delight of the people.

    Born on March 20, 1964, Gov. Ugwuanyi, today, Wednesday, March 20, clocks 55, to the glory of God. Inaugurated as the 3rd civilian governor of the new Enugu State on May 29, 2015, Ugwuanyi on Saturday, March 9, 2019 was overwhelmingly re-elected, in one of the most peaceful, transparent and credible elections in the history of the state.

    The most amazing aspect of the entire scenario was that the governor’s resounding victory in this month of March coincided with his 55th birthday anniversary, which calls for double celebrations in thanksgiving to God, for His mercies and kindness to a man of faith and goodwill.

    Though his overwhelming victory and that of all other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, did not come to many as a surprise, especially those who are informed about the political antecedents of Enugu State, as well as the governor’s sterling performance and swelling popularity in the state, the hidden truth remains that Gov. Ugwuanyi won his reelection the day he had his first interaction with journalists, a few days after his inauguration in 2015.

    On that fateful day, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated clearly that his administration will work hard to ensure peace in the state as a panacea for progress and rapid development. The peace-loving governor pledged not to engage in any act that would undermine the relationship between his administration and the past ones, vis-à-vis himself and past leaders of the state. He promised to unite the leaders of the state and accord them due respect irrespective of political affiliations, stressing that “everybody is our friend and the era of politics of bitterness is over”.

    This strange resolution which Gov. Ugwuanyi religiously adhered to, no doubt contributed immensely to the overwhelming support and endorsement he enjoyed from the people of the state from all spheres of the society and across party lines, prior to the general election as well as his landslide victory at the polls.

    The governor’s decision became one of his greatest assets and a rallying point for prominent leaders from all walks of life, such as the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Senator Fidelis Okoro, Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi, and Ambassador Mrs. Justina Eze, to endorse and campaign vigorously for his reelection.

    For instance, at the grand finale of the governor’s door-to-door campaign, held at Udenu Local Government Area headquarters ahead of the just concluded governorship and state assembly elections, some of these leaders eulogised him for entrenching peace, tranquility and good governance, in a manner that has never been experienced before in the history of the state.

    They described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a man of history, expressing delight that he has united everybody in the state, irrespective of political leaning. The leaders told him that the culture of peace and good governance he has entrenched in the state was unprecedented and will earn him a landslide victory at the polls.

    The party stalwarts added that his pre-election adoption by 70 political parties in Enugu State as their consensus candidate was an affirmation that the governor has united everybody in the state.

    While Senator Ekweremadu disclosed that “there is no bickering or quarrels among the political leaders in the state”, Senator Nwobodo, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a son thanked him “for bringing everybody together”.

    According to Senator Onuaguluchi, “Gov. Ugwuanyi has brought uncommon peace to the state” and “all of us have come to learn from Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi)”. Senator Okoro pointed out that “we have not seen his type before”, and Amb. Mrs. Eze joined others in urging the people to vote massively for him and other candidates of the PDP.

    Shortly after the March 9 election, which was adjudged the most peaceful, freest and credible by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-accredited local and foreign observers, 70 political parties, and leaders of the state, among others, the coalition of governorship candidates in the state led by Gerald Abonyi of Labour Party (LP) congratulated Gov. Ugwuanyi, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the exercise and pledged to support his administration.

    Basking in the euphoria of the well-deserved victory, support groups and people from various Local Government Areas have continued to troop to the Government House, Enugu to equally congratulate the governor.

    On the day the people of Igbo-Eze North LGA paid him a congratulatory visit, the peace-loving governor appealed to members of his political party to be magnanimous in victory by promoting peace and unity and showing love to one another irrespective of party affiliations. He stated that “now the election is over, politicians in the state should invoke their Christian faith, go back and unite with their perceived enemies, show love to them, so that the prevailing peace for which Enugu State is known will be adequately sustained”.

    Prior to this, Ugwuanyi, as a humble and appreciative leader, had shortly after the victory returned to the markets and streets to say “Thank You” to the people for reelecting him as their governor. It would be recalled that the governor and his party, the PDP, unlike other political parties, embarked on an intense door-to-door campaign at the markets and streets of the state canvassing vigorously for votes.

    It was, therefore, a heartwarming experience for the residents, the petty traders, the barrow pushers and the market men and women, among others, seeing their governor at their doorstep, coming to say “Thank You” for reelecting him into office.

    Governor Ugwuanyi had earlier in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude to God and thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming support in renewing his mandate.

    Accepting the mandate, the governor stated that “this victory does not belong to me alone”. He disclosed that “it belongs to Ndi Enugu – our political leaders and other stakeholders irrespective of party affiliations; the market men and women, the barrow pushers, taxi and commercial bus drivers, Okada and Keke riders, petty traders, other artisans, town union and community leaders, the clergy, our revered traditional rulers, civil servants, the farmers, the professional class, youth and women groups, students and others who are the true heroes of our democracy”.

    He told the people of the state that he was “deeply humbled that you have, once again, invested your trust and faith in our team”, saying that it is now for him and his deputy and running mate, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo “to continue to work for you”.

    Ugwuanyi pledged that his administration will devote energy and time to work harder for the wellbeing and prosperity of the people, stressing that “we are open to new ideas and new visions, as we continue to lay the solid foundation for a more prosperous Enugu State”.

    According to him, “I hereby reaffirm that we will continue to serve you with the fear of God, with humility and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people and lifting the State to unprecedented heights of development and progress”.

    The governor also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for “his exemplary leadership and for providing the enabling environment that ensured the peaceful conduct of elections in our State”. He equally saluted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “for a job well done and for keeping alive the dream of a brighter democracy”.

    Speaking further he said: “We are equally grateful to the Nigerian security agencies and the independent observers who ensured that we had peaceful processes at the polls”.

    To his fellow party leaders, members and teeming supporters, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked them for “the wonderful job that you all did”, saying: “I am very proud of your contributions”.

    Extending his hand of fellowship to other contestants he added: “In truth, the victory is not a winner-takes-all. In our spirit of brotherhood, everyone is a winner. Therefore, I reach out my hand of friendship and partnership to my fellow contestants. I invite all of you to join hands with me so that together, we shall build a better Enugu State, to the glory of God.

    Re-committing himself to the service of God and the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi declared: “Now is the time to get back to work. We are inspired by the sacrifices and support of our people in renewing our mandate. I am confident that by the special grace of God and with your continuing cooperation and prayers, all things concerning Enugu State will continue to end in praise”.

    On the significance of today’s birthday celebration, the time-honoured occasion reinvigorates the governor’s commitment to peace, charity and almsgiving – a constant moral obligation in appreciation of God’s goodness and amazing grace to him as “Nwaogbenye”.

    The anniversary offers him, his family, friends, well-wishers, and teeming supporters, who have remained steadfast in prayers, yet another opportunity to give to the poor and less privileged in the society with all sense of divinity and benevolence.

    It re-echoes his disposition towards alleviating the suffering of the people as the nexus between him and God. It also re-echoes his long-held appeal that those who intended to offer him birthday gifts should “channel them to charity homes and orphanages in appreciation of God’s mercies and kindness” and “in the spirit of the Lenten Season”.

    This, one believes, is the best way to celebrate the governor’s resounding victory at the polls, appreciate God‘s abundant blessings upon him and his family’s life, as well as pray fervently for continued peace and progress of Enugu State, as he strives to render more selfless service in realization of the dreams of the state’s founding fathers.

    Your Excellency, it has indeed ended in praise, Happy Birthday.  Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.