THE recent report released by BudgIT, a data-simplifying civic organisation, which listed Enugu, Lagos and Rivers as the only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that can fulfill obligations to their workers, was not only a remarkable feat for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State but also a demonstration of his managerial instinct to navigate the state through the current economic crunch.

The verdict, which is widely adjudged as echt and objective based on facts and figures, flaunts the commitment of the governor to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises  despite the current economic recession.

It has also showcased the governor’s ethos in prudent management of the state’s lean resources for the wellbeing of the people through financial discipline and application of the best economic practices that would engender sustainable growth and development.

Enugu state is third from the bottom of the federal allocation chart. Enugu is also predominantly a Civil Service state with high expectations from the people borne out of the long held belief in the expansion of the state’s economic potentials.

It is pertinent to note that among the three states listed by BudgIT that are still able to meet their recurrent needs, Enugu is the least in terms of federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue,IGR.

As a civil service state, Enugu is not economically viable like Lagos and Rivers states which generate huge resources from commercial activities; still it was able to make the list alongside the two economic giant states – a feat, which many have described as outstanding.

It is on record, that while Ugwuanyi’s administration pays workers’ salaries regularly, it has also embarked on numerous massive infrastructural development in the state with some road projects completed for inauguration in December.

The governor in a bid to alleviate the pains motorists go through while plying some federal government roads in the state, recently embarked on the quality rehabilitation of failed sections of the federal roads along Oji River- Ugwuoba- Anambra State border (by old road) and 9th Mile – Nsukka – Benue State border. This is inspite of the huge sum of money owed the state on past rehabilitated roads by the federal government.

Regardless of the fact that the roads are federal roads and do not necessarily require the intervention of the state government to fix them, Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that “this administration cannot sit down and watch road users suffer this much on the roads, hence the need for the rehabilitation”.

On the vision to take development to the rural areas as part of the grassroots development initiatives to create new urban centres, boost socio-economic activities, create employment opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis, the administration  recently flagged off 35 development projects spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. All these capital projects and other remarkable feats in various strata of the economy are ongoing while the state is still able to fulfill obligations to its workers.

Reacting to the BudgIT’s report, the state chapters of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were first to applaud the governor for his vision, administrative ingenuity and sheer dexterity in prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

They said that the BudgIT’s verdict was objective and represents the true position of things in Enugu State, regarding the manner in which the governor has been carefully managing the resources of the state for the overall interest of the people.

In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe and Comrade Ben Asogwa, the workers said that “it was an exceptional display of quality leadership for the governor to pay salaries regularly and still execute capital projects, despite the current economic crisis in the country”.

The labour leaders added that “for Enugu to be listed alongside Lagos and Rivers as the only states in the federation still able to meet their recurrent needs, shows that Gov. Ugwuanyi is a visionary leader who is committed to the wellbeing of the people”.

On his part, the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, said that the party was not surprised by the BudgIT’s report, stressing that “Ugwuanyi had maintained a culture of financial discipline that has helped his administration to save cost and ensure that its lean resources were adequately utilized for priority issues that would add value to the lives of the people of the state”.

The party therefore, urged the governor to remain focused and steadfast in his vision to advance good governance and deliver on his campaign promises to the people of the state in line with the PDP Manifesto.

Also commenting on the BudgIt’s report, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, during a solidarity rally in commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the slaying of 21 workers who were agitating for better working conditions at the Iva Valley Coal Mine, in Enugu, paid glowing tributes on Gov. Ugwuanyi for prioritizing the welfare of workers in Enugu state and ensuring that their wages are paid regularly.

Describing Ugwuanyi as the man with the magic wand, the NLC’s head of Industrial Relations and Organising Department, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboajah, who represented the body’s national president, noted that the  accolades Enugu State received as one of three states that is regular in taking care of basic responsibilities of its workers was because the governor was committed to prudent management of resources and welfare of the workers, urging him to share same with his colleagues.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who had reassured the people of his resolve to ensure even development of the state, had also attributed the feat his administration has recorded so far to the grace of God and prudent management of the state’s lean resources.

From all indications, it is obvious that Gov. Ugwuanyi is at his peak in providing the dividends of democracy for the people Enugu State. Enugu state is truly in the hands of God.

Mr. Louis Amoke, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Enugu, Enugu State.