By Francis Igata

MR. Ifeanyi  Ugwuanyi was yesterday, sworn-in as the fourth executive governor of Enugu State since its creation in 1991. He was sworn in at the Michael Okpara Square at about 11.39 am.

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi being sworn-in

His deputy,Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo who had a date with history as first female deputy governor of the state was earlier sworn in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezuruike at about 11.26am Immediate past governor, Sullivan Chime had while handing over the reigns of power to Ugwuanyi before an impressive crowd, assured the people of the state of improved service delivery by his successor.
Chime said,”I am handing over this constitution and consolidated transition report to you (Ugwuanyi) as the symbol of your authority. I thank God and the people of Enugu State for your support and prayers through out these eight years in office. “I urge you to do same for Ugwuanyi to enable him do better than we did especially now that allocation from the centre is in an all time low. The time for politics is over. This is time for governance.

You should drop all garbs of politics and concentrate on governance to the people of Enugu State. I plead with politicians to allow you (Ugwuanyi)space to settle down to  governance. Ugwuanyi,  in his inaugural speech , noted that his administration in line with his campaign promises, will recommit to continuing with the legacies of the Sullivan Chime’s administration and his road map for taking Enugu State to the  next level.
According to the governor, ”I recommit myself to employment generation, enhanced social services and good governance, rural development and indeed, security and justice. We will deploy government services to create fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth,educate our children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment. “Enugu State under us will pay special attention to rural development because majority of our people live in the rural areas. We will create more urban areas to boost economic growth.

In line with this,we must equip and modernize Nsukka, a University town founded over half a century ago to compete with other University towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses and other industrial support ventures,bearing in mind that Nsukka is the second largest town in Enugu State. “In the same vein, the 9th Mile Corner is a long overlooked economic hub that we need to harness to enjoy the full benefits of our newly acquired status as a Free Trade Zone.

We will give attention to these places to speed up urban development, create fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis.”
ROLL CALL
Dignitaries in attendance include: Deputy Senate President,Ike Ekweremadu, former senate president,Ken Nnamani, former governor, Enugu State,Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo,former Chairman, PDP, Enugu State chapter, Vita Abba, former deputy governor, Ifeanyi Itanyi. Dignitaries that were conspicuously absent are;Senator Ayogu Eze,former Speaker,Eugene Odo, among others.