Prominent Nigerians Commend Ugwuanyi For Walking His Talks

Obviously political leaders are measured by the credibility and confidence people attach to their words and actions. These qualities, if it were to be commodities are indeed very scarce especially in our political clime where the people do not trust their leaders.

But for Enugu State governor, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, prominent Nigerians have recently passed a verdict on him, saying that he has been working his talks since he assumed office. The verdict was passed at several events in the state last week Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday when the governor flagged-off the construction of several roads across the state and was later received at a grand reception in Nsukka by his kinsmen.

The verdicts and assessments on the governors’ performance so far came from prominent Nigerians who have witnessed his administration’s effort in last six months.

Speaking during the governor’s reception, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara assured the people of the state that having known the governor for more than a decade now that he would surely deliver democracy dividend to the people of the state.

“Ugwuanyi will deliver democracy dividend to the people of the state, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country. He has started well considering the numerous people-oriented projects his government has embarked on. He is a selfless and eclectic leader that likes carrying everybody along.”

Before the event, the Enugu-based charismatic Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka had also commended the governor on his administration’s performance during a mass in the state. The mass was at the instance of the state judiciary and was attended by large crowd.

During his homily, Mbaka told the worshippers that Governor Ugwuanyi is a prayer answered for the people of Enugu state who had been yearning for a God-fearing, humble and people-oriented leadership in the past decades.

In the same vein the former Minister of Aviation, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze had during the flag off of roads construction in the West senatorial district, specifically at the dilapidated Ninth Mile Corner, Ngwo led the people of the area into affirming that, indeed, “Governor Ugwuanyi is working his talks”.

As the roads flag-off train moved to the university town of Nsukka on Thursday former minister of information, Chief Nnia Nwodo (Jnr) as well as Bishop Onah and other people of the Enugu North senatorial zone declared that Ugwuanyi’s emergence is a divine act of wiping away the tears off the grieving eyes of the people of the district.

The eulogies on the governor from across notable political and religious divides was as result of his government’s people-oriented programmes and policies and the unfolding aggression with which he has begun to execute them.

It would be recall that on assumption of office, Ugwuanyi had anchored his administration’s programmes on a four- point agenda, one of which is rural development that is closer to his heart.
 
It is a reason his administration is moving fast to tackle the bad road networks, especially in the rural areas of the state, a situation that poses some challenges in the movement of agricultural products from the hinterlands to urban areas.  Consequently, the governor has flagged-off eight roads for construction. They include: Abakpa Nike and Nike Lake Roads, Opi-Nsukka dual carriage way, Amankwo-Ameke-Amah brewing junction, 9th Mile by-pass, Ohom Oba junction-Imilike Ani-Ezimo Agu- Imilike- Ogbodu Aba- Obollo Etiti- Amalla-Obollo –Afor- Udenu Ring Roads.
 
Others are Enugu Road-Nsukka- Junction Umuezebi Road, post office -Roundabout- Odenigbo Roundabout, Ogurugu road–Ikenga Hotels Junction and Obechara Road Junction-Umuakashi-mechanic village-Ikenga Hotels Junction.

As the ceremonies came underway last week, the visibly anxious people of the state came out in their numbers to welcome and cheer up the governor. Remarkably, their kind words humbled the governor who in turn vowed not to let the people down.

At the Abakpa-Nike and Nike Lake Roads at Nike, Governor Ugwuanyi stated that his administration would address all issues militating against the development of the state by, for instance, taking necessary steps to ease up the traffic difficulties being encountered on the Nike Road now billed for construction.

And it was a joyful moment for the people of the area as the flag-off exercise went underway and the governor said it was in order to create fresh economic activities for the people of the area and to reduce road traffic pressure on Enugu metropolis.
 
“The project will offer our people the long desired relief from encroaching traffic congestion and other setbacks occasioned by the deplorable states of the roads, this will assist us in our rural-urban agricultural development as well as enhance businesses and commercial activities in these areas and beyond for the benefit of our people”.

He pointed it out to the people that projects are taking off in spite of the prevailing economic difficulties, adding that “this is also to demonstrate my determination to continue to do so despite the prevailing economic situation in the state, and let me use this opportunity to say that we have not received any money in the name of bailout or anything from the Federal Government”.

During the flag-off exercises, the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, expressed support for the governor’s giant strides:  “The Nike road will create job opportunities for Nike people and environs, alleviate poverty, reduce the stress of travelling through pot holes, especially while going to Opi and other towns with the Nsukka senatorial district through this road”. And delivered the message of the state legislature and that of his state constituency to the governor thus: “ Your Excellency, both the living and the dead are celebrating you for this kind gesture to Enugu East Constituency”.

Odu, a public affairs analyst wrote
from Abakpa-Nike Enugu