By Amb. Fidelis Chukwudi Ugwu.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the build up to the 2023 gubernatorial election in Enugu State, the atmosphere was tense and rift with media brouhaha. The noise was so strong that it took only discerning minds to still stick to reasons beyond rhetorics and sentiments. The atmosphere was replete with propaganda and counter propaganda, most of which would later be sorted out in courts.
But the striking thing among the whole tumult was the distinction of Peter Mbah’s manifesto and his adroit consistency in effectively communicating same to even a layman. He chose his words and the best words according to his locations and audiences, appealing strongly to the earnest yearnings of the people across the State.
His manifesto, which was anchored on security, economic breakthrough, infrastructural development, educational and health sector revamping as well as agricultural revolution clearly met the yearnings of the people while his sensitization approach did the final magic.
For me at the time, it was capacity, track record and vision that were clearly stated and communicated that should drive our choices and not merely sentiments and political correctness, whether it was to be propagated by the most influential, the most popular party or the most popular person, was non of my concern. This was how my lot fell on Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
In one of my analytical notes, I further clarified that my reasons for supporting the Governor’s candidacy was because of his track record and successes in the private sector and given his young age and aspirational disposition, I believed that the Governor-position was not his retirement plan but a stepping stone to his aspirations as against his major rivals at the time who would see the office as the epic and summit of their political careers. I perceived that becoming the Governor would avail him the platform to further his business links while driving home investors and laying credible foundation for an economic boom in EnuguState. I have come to understand that without passion and interest, no leader would do well in any office. For Peter Mbah, it was for both but most importantly, his dexterity towards playing a vital role in repositioning Enugu State on the global map. These, I believe, are all being accomplished in just two years in office as Governor.
Having said the above, I therefore congratulate the Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on his sterling achievements in just two years. Without going into detail, the infrastructural revamping going on in Enugu State across the 17 local Governments in both road networks, hospitality facilities, educational and health facilities, agriculture and otherwise are all testaments to his putting words into action. It is a proof that ideology drives governance and a man of vision is all that a people need to effectively grow. We owe you a great deal of appreciation while we urge you to look more closely into the following areas.
Security: Without a guaranteed security, all that you have labored for will be flushed down the drain in a matter of time. Today, insecurity in Uzo-uwani seems to have defiled all known approaches. I do not want to discredit your efforts but I believe that it is within your powers to change strategy on this issue. Why not try to invoke the ban on open grazing that had been passed by the previous administration in Enugu State? Shall we continue to watch as lives get lost on a daily basis in Uzo-uwani and across other localities in Enugu state? Do you not know that the daily killings we see in Uzo-uwani is a well orchestrated plan by the killer herdsmen to instill fear, sack the people of Uzo-uwani and occupy their land? Do you think they would stop at Uzo-uwani when they have achieved this aim? Do you not know that their target is to get hold of the Lion building and declare Enugu State a conquered state?
If you answer the above questions correctly, you would agree with me that fighting insecurity in Uzo-uwani squarely is a great part of your Mandate in Enugu State. It would send a message to the sponsors of these terrorists that Enugu State is a no go area for them. Otherwise, I shall be here to remind ndi Enugu that I said it when something could still be done.
Youth Empowerment: Your Excellency I appreciate you for the numerous workshops and digital skills engagement you facilitate in Enugu State through private public partnerships and through the ministry of Science and technology. But if I must be honest with you, Enugu youths also need immediate engagement in the workforce. This can be done by first facilitating soft loans and grants for SMEs. Support agriculture by creating very safe and secure farms and not expecting youth to go to farm when our farms are replete with killer herdsmen.
Once again I Congratulate you, Your Excellency and I pray that God grants you good health and long life because Enugu State needs you and you alone in the next 6 years.
Amb. Fidelis Chukwudi Ugwu
NYAN ENUGU STATE