A critical review of the development trajectory of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration in Enugu State and the governor’s positive impact in navigating the state through the current economic quagmire in a quest to deliver on his campaign promises leaves many to wonder the secret behind the successes recorded so far in the state. In 2014, during the pre-election campaign, when the governor told the people of the state that he was “ready to work” to provide quality leadership that would address their basic needs and give them a sense of belonging, some people thought it was the usual glib talk of politicians deployed to woo the electorate.
Today, a glance through the catalogue of verifiable achievements recorded so far by Ugwuanyi’s administration shows that the governor has not only proved himself creditably in keeping with his promises, he has also demonstrated his preparedness for the job. The achievements have equally showcased the governor’s worth and clear vision to deliver his goods to the people of the state irrespective of any encumbrance that would spring up in the course of steering the wheels of governance of the state.
In his inaugural address, Ugwuanyi while recommitting himself to the four point agenda of his administration, promised to drive with full force investment promotion, agricultural sector renewal, provision of critical infrastructure, human capital development and skills acquisition.
Presenting his scorecard after one year in office, the governor noted that a critical appraisal of his actions and achievements shows that his administration has not only kept faith with the promises to the people despite the severe economic difficulties confronting the nation today, but was also poised to do even much more.
According to him, “it is indeed a very well-known fact that, as a consequence of the nation’s current economic woes, the monthly allocation to states from the federation account has fallen to less than 38 per cent of what it used to be. The situation has become so bad that many states are unable to pay salaries and meet other obligations.”
While it is on record that Enugu State has been regular in payment of workers’ salaries, notwithstanding the bleak economic realities, one also appreciates the massive development of urban and rural roads across the state aimed at extending development to the rural areas to create more urban centres, enhance rural access, boost economic activities in every corner of the state and give the rural dwellers a sense of belonging.
Recently, Ugwuanyi in an exhibition of his readiness to work took the bull by the horns by awarding the contract for the rehabilitation of failed sections of federal government road along Oji-River-Ugwuoba-Anambra State border by old road, which collapsed to a state of disrepair, and trapped vehicles for several hours. The rehabilitation work which was awarded to ANBEEZ Nig. Ltd at the contract sum of N783,005,827.92, received wide commendation from the public who poured encomiums on the governor for such a bold initiative aimed at alleviating the suffering of the people, especially road users who experienced pains plying the road.
The governor’s timely intervention was also borne out of the need to ensure smooth traffic flow on the road during the forthcoming yuletide.
Worthy of note is also the fact that work commenced on the road immediately, not minding the fact that the federal government has not refunded Enugu State government the money that the past administration spent on the earlier rehabilitation of the said road, which amounts to N4,794, 196, 251.79.
One therefore appeals to the federal government to refund Enugu State government the money it spent on federal government roads in the state, which amounts to over N22 billion, in appreciation of the state’s kind gesture in rehabilitating the failed sections of Ugwuoba-Anambra State border road.
It is heart-warming to note that the state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), among others, all hailed the governor’s brave initiative in embarking on the project as well as commencing work immediately, saying that it was an indication that he was “ready to work” and sensitive to the plight and yearnings of the people.
As though this was not enough, the Ugwuanyi administration also recently approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation of 18.5km federal government road along Opi-Obollo Afor, and additional works at Amalla and 9th Mile internal roads from Ekochin Junction-Mechanic Village junction, measuring 2.4km. The contract which was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC Nig Ltd) at the cost of N1,356,587,804.56k, was sequel to an on-the-spot inspection tour of dilapidated federal government roads in the state, which the governor embarked upon ahead of the forthcoming yuletide.
As a leader committed to the wellbeing of the people, Governor Ugwuanyi while justifying his administration’s decision to rehabilitate the said roads disclosed that “even though most of these roads are federal roads, we cannot continue to wait for the federal government to rehabilitate them, hence the need to fix them for road users to enjoy a smooth movement during the Christmas season.”
This is in addition to the ongoing fixing of potholes in Enugu metropolis by the Nigerian Construction and Foundation Company, the state government’s agency handling the maintenance of roads constructed by past administrations in the state – a feat Enugu residents applauded and said will enhance the road’s life span as well as reduce traffic gridlock being encountered on roads in the metropolis because of the potholes.
In a few days from now, the state government will embark on the flag-off ceremonies of 25 road projects as well as buildings and water projects in the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, earlier approved in line with its grassroots development initiatives.
By his support and contributions to Enugu Rangers International Football club which inspired the club to victory as the new champions of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after 32 years in the wilderness without a trophy, Ugwuanyi has once again demonstrated his worth as a jinx breaker, who is ever ready to work with an uncommon passion for achieving success.
The ongoing reforms in the state’s education sector such as the recruitment of 2000 primary school teachers, and procurement of about 12, 480 writing desks and chairs for primary school pupils and 868 tables and chairs for teachers to improve the standard of learning, also rate high in the development chart of the state. All these are in addition to so many other remarkable achievements recorded in various strata of development by the present administration in less than one and half years in office.
Finally, as the governor’s new ethos of leadership keeps gathering momentum, it is expected of the public to support and inspire his vision and ever-ready-to-work instinct to greater heights, for Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.
- Amoke writes from Enugu.
