As Senate, Sultan, Adeboye Score Ugwuanyi High
Recently, members of the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration led by its chairman, Senator Abdullahi Gumel, were in Enugu State on an oversight function on the utilisation of bailout funds released to states by the federal government. The committee, after scrutinising the Enugu State’s record on the above subject matter, rated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the best governor in the utilisation of the federal government’s bailout funds in the country.
The committee chairman applauded the administrative ingenuity of the governor in managing the funds, describing it as “impressive and in line with the principles of accountability.” He noted that Ugwuanyi was “transparent and prudent in the use of the funds in a way the committee had not experienced anywhere else.”
While appreciating the peaceful atmosphere in the state and the innovation applied by the state government in the management of the funds, Gumel urged other states to take a cue from Enugu. According to him, “We have gone through the books. And as far as the bailout funds are concerned, everything is in order. In fact, Enugu State has even gone further because we haven’t seen this in any other state.
“They gave us the list of all the beneficiaries as it was prepared by the banks. This is an innovation and we are reflecting it in our report. We are not doing it because Governor Ugwuanyi was our colleague; we are doing it because we have seen with our eyes.”
Prior to the presentation of the report, the committee had earlier on arrival paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Enugu. Addressing the senators, Ugwuanyi noted that their legislative function was a very important assignment that promoted accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. He informed them that the N4.207 billion bailout fund his administration received was judiciously deployed for the purposes of liquidating the outstanding pensions and subvention to parastatals, agencies and departments.
Ugwuanyi stated, “Distinguished senators, I am happy to announce that we successfully utilised the funds for the stated purposes, as you would confirm from the records (to be) made available to you by the state Ministry of Finance. You will also be furnished with the details of how we applied other funds released to the state by the federal government within the life of this administration.”
He commended the federal government for the “bold and timely initiative” in providing states with bailout funds for use in addressing critical issues of development. He equally used the opportunity to further appeal for the refund of over N22 billion the state government had spent on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some federal roads in the state.
The senate committee thanked the governor for receiving them and applauded his administration’s achievements, especially in the areas of good governance, infrastructural development and payment of workers’ salaries. They said the visit was in furtherance of their legislative oversight duties to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ugwuanyi has, undoubtedly, exceeded all expectations in the face of the daunting economic challenges in the country. He remains committed to fulfilling his promises to the people of the state in line with the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party. Against all odds, the governor has through his administration’s peace and grassroots development initiatives brought good governance and massive infrastructural development to the doorsteps of the people of the state, especially the rural dwellers.
With the regular payment of workers’ salaries, display of commitment to accountability, transparency and prudent management of the state’s lean resources, simultaneous execution of 35 development projects across the 17 local government areas, among other critical infrastructure in the state, it is obvious that the senate’s verdict on the governor is a valid endorsement of his visionary leadership and managerial prowess.
It is noteworthy that the verdict coincides with the recent award conferred on the governor by The Authority Newspapers as “The Outstanding Governor of the Year 2016 on Economic Development and Infrastructure.”
While presenting the notification letter for the award to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, the managing director of the Authority Newspapers, Mr. Madu Onuorah, noted, “The rate of development is outstanding, especially with regards to infrastructure, in spite of the fact that Enugu State is not an oil producing state and, therefore, gets little from the Federation Account. And you don’t have cluster of businesses and major urban centres, like some surrounding states, to tax in order to lift up the state’s internally generated revenue. It is still a surprise that with the development going on here, Enugu is one of the few states in the Nigeria to pay workers’ salaries as and when due, and as I understand, by the 25th of every month.
“A trip round Enugu State shows your indelible imprints. It is all too glaring to be ignored. You’re not a man who goes for half measures. You’re a man whom Nigeria needs at a time like this as you are the new face of the Nigerian spirit that won’t give up even in the face of challenges but opt for a noiseless but massive development of the state’s infrastructure.”
Ugwuanyi has also in recent times received accolades from other notable personalities in the country, including Christian and Muslim leaders, in recognition of his sterling performance and uncommon approach to governance.
For instance, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, during his official visit to Enugu State described Ugwuanyi as a populist leader, noting that the level of popularity he enjoys from the people of the state, including non-indigenes, is outstanding and commendable.
According to the Sultan, “I am excited that 95 per cent of Muslims in Enugu State are in support of Governor Ugwuanyi and what he is doing to promote peace, unity, security and good governance in the state. My observation since I visited this state shows that Governor Ugwuanyi is so much liked by the people because of his humble disposition and commitment to their wellbeing and good governance.”
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, also applauded the governor’s vision, humility and commitment to God in coming to the University of Nigeria Nsukka to welcome him back to the university to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity (Hon. DD).
According to Adeboye, “I was delighted to notice during our procession to this venue that the governor who has come to welcome me is a very popular one.”
Ugwuanyi is treading on the path of vision and greatness. He should be encouraged to take Enugu State even higher. Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!