Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi’s recent acquisition of 100 Innoson Hilux vans and over 260 other vehicles to strengthen security in Enugu State bears eloquent testimony to the Governor’s uncommon development strides in the State since the inception of his administration.
Like a proverbial gold fish that has no hiding place, Governor Ugwuanyi’s stewardship in the last few months has caught the fancy and admiration of many Nigerians including members of the opposition parties.
Unlike most leaders in our clime, he purchased 100 locally produced Innoson Hilux Vans which does not only play a pivotal role in strengthening our economy; it celebrates a home-grown innovation that truly engenders the essence of the Nigerian spirit. It is worthy of note to mention that this underscores his belief in the socio-economic drive to re-invent the wheels and properly position Nigeria among the comity of nations. This singular act entrenches the ideals of a man that believes in the need to encourage indigenous entrepreneurs which in turn will create jobs for our people leading to unending peace and progress.
It is evident that in spite of the parlous state of affairs he inherited and the paucity of funds occasioned by the dwindling federal allocations to the State, Governor Ugwuanyi has continued to keep his promises to the electorate. Today, Enugu State has regained its status and commanding heights among other States in the country. Hope, the common elixir, is also gradually returning to Enugu people.
One area that obviously keeps the Governor of Enugu State ahead of other governors is in the area of Security.
Being his primary responsibility to the people of Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi does not take the issue of security lightly. Although there was heightened sense of fear and anxiety in the State, occasioned by high wave of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and assassination prior to the present administration, the trend has considerably changed since he took over the affairs of the State.
Besides assisting the security agencies in tackling crimes and other related activities, through provision of operational vehicles fitted with modern communication equipment, the State government has also taken the war against crimes to the criminals’ den.
Recently, the State government took the war against kidnapping, cultism and other crimes to a new level by flooding the State with highly trained security personnel, engaging strategic security initiatives, the unprecedented launch of the new ‘Forest Guards’ and purchasing well-equipped Hilux vans to keep the State safe. Today, Enugu State is safe both for social and economic activities. Night life is booming in Enugu and its environs, while economic activities have been at a peak, resulting in the rise of internally generated revenue.
Given several commendations the governor has received in a couple of months from various stakeholders, there is no doubt that Governor Ugwuanyi is not just a leader of the opposition party in the country, he is a testament to good governance and of course, a shinning advertisement for his Peoples Democratic Party.
Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi stands tall among his peers as a revolutionary, a pacesetter, an icon, a prolific leader and most of all – a man of the people. He has proven that with the right leadership; Enugu State is poised to be the darling of the entire continent and the world at large.
The time for political acrimony is over. It is now time to unite for development. The nexus between commitment to good governance by government and the sincere and honest discharge of basic civic responsibilities by the populace, enthrone a society where there is a return on investment. An educated polity invariably leads to the exploration of economic opportunities that abound and all these can thrive immensely in an environment of peace and stability for the general good of all. Now is the time to identify with development and prosperity. Governor Ugwuanyi encapsulates these noble ideals in today’s political space.
Ugochukwu Ebuka Nweke writes from Enugu
