Abimbola Akosile
Looks at the occasion when the Enugu State governor-elect showed appreciation to the electorate in the state for voting for him at the last governorship poll
Enugu State governor-elect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has a humble disposition to leadership. His attributes of simplicity, vision, wisdom and passion for the common man are never in dispute. So it was no surprise that shortly after Ugwuanyi was declared winner of the April 11 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, he led a team of his party, Peoples Democratic Party, leaders to the streets of Enugu, Udi, Nsukka, Awgu and Nkanuland to express his appreciation to the people of for electing him their next governor.
From one street to another, Ugwuanyi and his running mate, the deputy governor-elect, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, waved at the jubilant crowds and touched the people who were surprised at the visit of the incoming governor. It symbolised a new dawn, and the people did not lose sight of the import of the visit. They knew it was a reflection of the true democracy that is in the offing for the people.
Riding in an open roof Sport Utility Vehicle, Ugwuanyi waved a designed green card with the inscription “Thank You All”. He could not hide his joy and gratitude to the people of the state, as he waved and thanked them for their love and support.
Perhaps, more significant was the fact that the visit was an opportunity to network with the people and try to know their real needs. He succeeded in knowing some of the issues that bothered the people.
Some residents of Abakpa Nike, Enugu, who came to welcome the governor-elect, said they were delighted to meet him and they used the opportunity to make some requests. Some students of the Enugu State University of Technology and Science (ESUT) also used the occasion to appeal for a reduction of their school fees.
A loud ovation greeted Ugwuanyi’s declaration of his willingness to look into the issued raised by the people. The people commended him for his listening disposition.
Before the victory rally and thank you visit, Ugwuanyi held a press briefing at the campaign office of PDP in Enugu where he presented his acceptance speech. In the speech, he thanked the leaders and members of his party, the electorate, and the entire people of the state for their support and assured them of his determination to work hard for the continued development of Enugu State.
He said, “I must appreciate the electorate who defied rain and sunshine to ensure that their votes counted. They are the true heroes of our democracy and will be surely rewarded with good governance.
“I, once again, re-commit to all our campaign promises in the 17 local government areas of the state. I renew the message of peace, hope and development of our dear state, and to the principles of seamless continuity and consolidation. Government is a continuum. And when a people are lucky to have been blessed with a foresighted leader who has laid a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of our state within the last eight years, it is only rational to continue and consolidate that vision.”
He said he was committed to seeing through the legacy of the present fourpoint agenda of the Governor Sullivan Chime administration. The agenda involves Physical Infrastructure, Economic Expansion and Employment, Rural Development, and Service Delivery.
The governor-elect also announced his own four-point agenda, namely, Employment Generation, Social Services and Good Governance, Rural Development, Security and Justice. Ugwuanyi assured the people that both policy thrusts of the PDP will run concurrently in the overall interest the state.
Ugwuanyi extended his hand of fellowship to those who contested against him both in the party primaries and general election and invited them to come and join him to move the state forward, saying, “There is work to be done.”
With Ugwuanyi’s humble beginning, his visionary approach to leadership, and his popularity that is echoing all over Enugu State, many believe he will truly make a difference for the good of the people. They believe his coming will mark the beginning of a new dawn that would take Enugu State to greater heights.