ENUGU: Appointments Yet To Be Made By The Governor

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi formerly took over from Mr Sullivan Chime last week Friday after he was sworn into office as the new helmsman of the state.

Emerging from the exercise that was graced by his supporters at Michael Okpara Square Enugu, Ugwuanyi disclosed his intention to pursue what he described as “seamless continuity and consolidation” of the programmes of the last administration for the overall development of Enugu state.

Apparently to prepare for the eventual take off of the tasks ahead, he attended a thanksgiving service at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral, Ogui. On Sunday returned to his people at the Nsukka Stadium where he was received by the people of Enugu North senatorial zone.

On Monday, he attended the retreat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for her elected senators that took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and officially resumed at the Lion building government house Enugu on Tuesday. Since his resumption, the governor has paid more attention to inspecting projects and “thank you visit” to certain persons.

As of yesterday, Governor Ugwuanyi has not made any appointment. He has rather chosen to work with majority of those appointed and worked by former governor Chime. For instance, the ADC, Chief Security Officer, Chief of Staff, Protocol among others working under him at the moment are appointees of his predecessor. The problem is that while they are working, those promised by Ugwuanyi that he would work with are also working, thereby creating confusion in the system.

For instance, the press unit is without a head leading to all manner of persons sending statement on issues. The development has become a worrisome one to the extent that it’s being discussed in public places by many who do not understand the direction of his government. But Ugwuanyi appears to be very comfortable with it, and prefers spending working hours with his predecessor at his Udi country home.

For instance, despite embarking on “thank you visit” to his predecessor in Udi with his deputy and some other functionaries on Wednesday, he had always been available at Chime’s country home as various zones of the state visit him (Chime).
The kernel of discussion now in the state is how long it would take Ugwuanyi to announce his appointees and when he is likely to do away with the influence of his predecessor whom he described as his leader during his swearing in last week.

The general feeling in the state is that should he continue this way, the policy direction of his administration may be determined by his predecessor. But a source close to Ugwuanyi told The Guardian that he (Ugwuanyi) is merely taken his time to avoid mistakes, adding that he will soon make his impact felt in the state, because he really want to work for Enugu people.”