Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Exemplary Leadership
Ihave over the years been a keen observer of government programmes, policies and administrative styles of governors with particular reference to Enugu State, since 1999 to present. In fact, in 1999, it was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani that was in charge. As characteristic of his administration, the eminent physician, who succeeded the last military administrator of the state, Navy Captain Adewumi Agbaje, strove to redeem the image of the state. In manifestation of his ambition of raising the status of the state to a higher level, Nnamani featured prominently in wealth creation, socio-politico awareness, youth empowerment, job creation and fight against godfatherism but had no sufficient time to address the challenges of the state’s civil servants. In 2007, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, still of the PDP, succeeded Nnamani in office. He played pivotal role in economic and infrastructural development. Scores of roads, bridges and markets were constructed to boost the state’s economic potential. In these two governments, the Enugu State civil servants were great partners to the successes recorded not withstanding their myriad of problems ranging from fitful payment of salaries, allowances, pension and gratuities, to low wages.
With the emergence of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as executive governor in 2015, the rhythm of the music changed in favour of the harangued civil servants. Bearing in mind that civil servants are key players in any successful government, Ugwuanyi, immediately after his swearing in, pledged to pay these outstanding debts and having promptly repaid them, began henceforth to pay them all other entitlements as at when due.
He has also provided them with a good and friendly working environment to enhance their productivity. It is no longer news that Governor Ugwuanyi had in several fora, expressed his desire to put smiles on the faces of Enugu State civil servants.
It is on record that sometime in June 2015, Ugwuanyi, while receiving members of the government and management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, did say that government is a continuum and that his government is poised to fulfil all promises made by the past administration as soon as it was able to tame the economic crisis.
Since coming into office, Ugwuanyi has made giant strides and achievements in security and security management in the state, healthcare delivery, commerce, poverty eradication and robust infrastructural development. He has never failed in his promise to the Enugu State civil servants especially with regard to their salaries and entitlements. He ensures that by 25th of every month, Enugu State civil servants receive their pay. This is a welcome development as the positive implication of prompt payment of workers’ salaries and entitlements cannot be overemphasised since a healthy mind in a healthy body makes for a healthy productivity. At the December, 2017 teachers’ rally at Okpara Square, Governor Ugwuanyi promised teachers of the state the resuscitation of the revamped promotion and other allowance schemes made redundant by the past administrations in the state as well as 13th month salary. All these promises have since been fulfilled to the joy and admiration of the workers.
Boniface Ugwu, Enugu