BY FRANCIS IGATA

The discerning prowess of the electorate in Enugu State have notched higher in recent times as active participation takes centre stage to hold government accountable in all its programmes and policies.

Politicians have over time been known for sugar-coated programmes and policies meant to curry votes during electioneering campaigns.

A peep into the crystal ball in the days leading to the April 11,governorship election in Enugu State had shown vividly, where the pendulum of victory will swing, owing to the blistering popularity and goodwill enjoyed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Although former governor Sullivan Chime had played a pivotal role in Ugwuanyi’s emergence at the party primary last year, Chime’s role cannot be said to vitiate the pervasive acceptance among the electorates which they demonstrated by voting overwhelmingly for his victory.

The impressive crowd which thronged the Michael Okpara Square to witness the handover on Friday, May 29 on account of mounting expectations from their governor were however, not crest fallen when Ugwuanyi reeled out his agenda of, “Seamless Continuity and Consolidation” anchored on employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and justice.

Inaugural speech

In his inaugural speech, Ugwuanyi said,”under us,Enugu State will pay a 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 Univeristy towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses and other industrial support venture,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 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.”

Chime’s development agenda for Enugu Metropolis

A retrospective glance at Chime’s development agenda for the state showed that his strides were conscripted within the precincts of the metropolis.

Ugwuanyi’s administration in its inaugural pronouncement, took cognizance of the fact that the metropolis is suffocating with structures and buildings, hence his resolve to urbanize other towns for socio-economic growth and expansion.

Economic diversification

Ugwuanyi

Continuing in his speech,Ugwuanyi said, “let me state categorically that while we are gearing to achieve so much,we must bear in mind that the resource flow has grown so lean across the country due to the noise-dive of oil prices in the international market. A political associate recently told me that this not the best times to be Governor of Enugu State. But i replied, that this is indeed the best time to lead Enugu State.

“If former President Franklin Roosevelt could take America out of the great depression; and if President Barak Obama could lead the Americans out of the economic melt-down, I believe that we too can turn the present economic challenges into huge blessings. Since it is knowledge driven economies and not oil driven economies that rule the world, I believe that this is another great opportunity for Enugu State, and indeed Nigeria to look inwards and harness those potentials which free oil money has blinded us from exploiting.

“It is an opportunity to live to our full potentials and discard the feeding bottle federalism syndrome. Importantly, I believe in the miracle of five loaves and two fish. I believe that God will give us the wisdom and courage to successfully navigate that state through the current economic crunch.”

Enugu’s debt profile

The optimism expressed by Governor Ugwuanyi is coming against the backdrop of the empty treasury he met with a humongous debt profile of over N60.8billion which Chime’s administration plunged the state into, in the midst of an all time high allocation from the Federal Government during his eight years as governor.

Retinue of aides

“However”, he continued, “I also believe that we must match our faith with the right decision and good work. I will therefore be calling on Enugu people to tighten their belts. But the difference between our model of belt-tightening and the one you used to know, is that the belt-tightening under this administration will start with government functionaries and business. We will lead by example.

“We will lead a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues. In addition, every revenue-generating agency of government should be ready to generate and remit revenues to fund government development effort. Likewise, individuals and corporate entities should henceforth, start paying tax as defaulters will not be counted as friends of Enugu State. But one thing I must assure you is that every kobo you put into the coffers of government will be utilised transparently and in a way that adds value to your lives,” Ugwuanyi announced.

The immediate past administration led by former Governor Sullivan Chime was remarkable for the appointment of a retinue of Personal Assistants, Pas; Special Advisers, SAs; Senior Special Advisers, SSAs; Senior Personal Assistants, SPAs; among others who were mere political hangers-on created to settle political efforts and patronage.

Stakeholders speaks

The people of Enugu State have however, asked new administration of Ugwuanyi to hit the ground running with programmes and policies that will directly alleviate the sufferings of masses.

A cross section of residents who spoke to Sunday Vanguard were however upbeat on the capability of Ugwuanyi’s administration to deliver on its campaign promises.

President, Enugu Unity Forum, EUF, Chief Tahil Ochi, said, “appointment of political offices should be purely on merit. Politicians who are professionals in different fields of endeavour and have a grip of the peculiarities of their sector should be appointed.

“The governor should know that the 2019 re-election bid has started. His actions and inaction from the onset will determine his faith at the end of his four year stint.

“Policies and programmes that are employment oriented to absorb the teeming unemployed youths that roam the streets should be given priority. Loopholes from where revenue leak should be plugged especially now that allocation from the centre is thinning out gradually.”

Former Commissioner for Inter-Ministerial Duties, Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike said, “this administration should walk the talk of reducing pressure on Enugu metropolis by developing other semi-urban centres like Nsukka and 9th Mile Corner to trigger socio-economic growth in those areas.

“Improvement of workers welfare should by key in order to drive the wheels of government policies and programmes efficiently and effectively. The incessant killing, maiming, rape and kidnap of our people and despoliation farmland by the now dreaded Fulani herdsmen should be tackled frontally by this administration.

“Most of our people are predominantly farmers. The activities of Fulani herdsmen have left tears and anguish in most families. Our agrarian farmland have greatly been devastated. It is worrisome that they have been allowed space to desecrate the land while security agencies watch in surrender.”

Economic, Elders Council to be reconsistuted

At a stakeholders meeting weekend, Ugwyanyi assured that he will reconstitute the Economic Council and the Elders Council to advise the government on areas of priority. He also assured that local government council funds will be not touched to enable development permeate through the remotest parts of the state.

Walk the talk

As the clock chimes towards the first 100 days in office, observers are waiting with baited breath to ascertain if the direction of government, is in tandem with its inaugural pronouncement which will make or mar the confidence reposed on the administration.