BY EDWIN EZE
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State ignited the State, Thursday, July 16th 2015, when he inaugurated his State Executive Council at the New Exco Chambers in the New Government House, a multi-billion naira architectural masterpiece built and furnished to taste by the Former governor, Sullivan Chime.

Ugwuanyi

The whole State came alive as the new Commissioners and Special Advisers drew thousands of people from their various communities who thronged Enugu, the state capital to celebrate with the appointees. Virtually, all the major towns in Enugu State had cause to celebrate, because one political appointee, either as Commissioner or Special Adviser had link with them. It was a departure from the old practice in the state where some Governors concentrated power in their zone or at worst their Local Government, even at critical points from their towns only.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi a.k.a “GBURUGBURU” or worldwide, ensured that appointments reflected the zones of the State, with local government spread in keeping with his alas name-Gburu-Gburu.

Contrary to allegations that old people were recycled by the appointment, it is on record that out of the 24 Commissioners; only 4 were above fifty years, the remaining 20 represent the youthful and vibrant stock in Enugu State. The records are there. In my Local Government the two Commissioners are within 40-45 years. In my primary constituency-sports, the Commissioner is less than 40 years old. Charles Ndukwe Chuka, came, into his Office as the Youth and Sports Commissioner on Wednesday July 22nd, bubbling with vigour and enthusiasm to work.

He was received by the courageous and iron-willed intellectual, the Permanent Secretary Dr. (Mrs.) Chinwe Anibeze, a vibrant intellectual who held the ground at the Sports Ministry, for over three months before the appointment of Commissioners in the State. After full briefing by the Permanent Secretary, Commissioner Charles Ndukwe had no time to waste as he invited Directors and Heads of Departments to an interactive session.

The next day Thursday, July 23rd was followed with a Luncheon Buffet Party involving all the Staff of the Ministry. It would have been an avenue to dine, wine and talk. However, the Commissioner preferred wining and dining without much talk. He insisted, “please no protocols today let’s just celebrate”. It must be noted that on arrival there was no money in the Ministry, so how did Commissioner Charles Ndukwe raise money to buy all these?” the workers wondered.

They were made to understand by the Commissioners P.A, Mr. Kenechukwu Anikwe that their boss was a successful business man who came into politics to serve and contribute his quota to Youth Empowerment and Sports Development in the State. As the workers celebrated their Commissioner’s Luncheon Party, they recalled that such a thing never happened since 1991 that Enugu State came into existence.

Monday, July 27th 2015, was the turn of the Players of Enugu Rangers International who had to abandon their light training to meet the Commissioner for general discussion about their problems and welfare; the players were later ushered into the Ministry of Youth and Sports Conference Hall to behold a sumptuous buffet Lunch Party. They were commended by the commissioner for qualifying for the quarter final of the Federation Cup and also reminded that the National Premier League is still open for grabs.

The players took their turn to dine, wine and celebrate with their new Sports boss. Skipper of the Coal City flying Antelopes, Okey Odita assured the Commissioner that Rangers were poised and more determined to win trophy and or trophies this year. Some journalist who came that fateful Monday morning to watch Rangers in training did not see them and speculated that they were on strike. They published it, but they were shocked to see Rangers in training later on Monday evening, “It is not that Rangers are not owed salary, but rather it is the fact that salary owed them, which this new government inherited is being addressed by the government”, the Commissioner told this writer. The players were never on strike.

The Commissioner choose Monday Morning when the players usually have light training to discuss their welfare and later fete them.