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Hon. Paul Nnajiofor is the member representing Nkanu East State Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly. He spoke with FirstNews Magazine on the relationship between the executive led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the state legislature as well as the achievements of the current administration in just two years in office.
EXCERPT……..
How has the relationship been between the executive and legislature in the 2 years of the present administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Ok, first of all, let me start by commending the governor of Enugu state Rt .Hon ( Dr )Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu) for fulfilling the promise he made two years ago. It has been two years of fulfilment, two years of record-breaking achievements and successes. It has been more successful since 18 years ago of stable democracy. Since 1999 of democratic government in Enugu state, it has not been like this. Governor Ugwuanyi has shown that he is a worthy leader and has done well in all areas. As a stakeholder in this state, I can assure you that Governor Ugwuanyi has done well in all ramifications. It has been two years of infrastructural development, human empowerment and sustenance of peace; two years of steady progressive dimensions in the area of healthcare provision, two years of delivering dividends of democracy to the people in all the 17 local government areas in the state. As a result of this, 35 road projects were flagged-off sometime last year across the whole local government areas in Enugu state simultaneously. In all the local governments, there are evidence of Ugwuanyi presence in areas ofHealth centres, water projects and so on. Let me state categorically that Nkanu east where I represent has benefited tremendously in infrastructures and extension of electricity to Nome that has been abandoned for over 35 years but Governor Ugwuanyi funded the project which has been commissioned. Also in my constituency, Nkanu East which has existed over 100 years ago has no connection between her far north axis and the central axis. Upon assumption of office of the bridges which were built with ordinary wood like the one that links Uzam- Amechi to Umunero and Onicha- Agu to the central where the local government headquarters was located in Amagunze is reconstructed, the road is also being rehabilitated.
Now the people from the far north of Nkanu East, Amaechi-Idodo, Umuode, Owo, Amankanu, Ubahu will have access to Amagunze the headquarters easily instead of the previous hours of journey before getting to Amagunze.
This has created, a historical legacy and a generational impact on our generation yet unborn and I am so happy that this is being done at the time I am representing my people. So, you can see that the relationship between the legislature and that of the executive is very cordial. All these projects passed through the legislative chamber, and we don’t waste time passing the bills as they are of great importance to the people.
Therefore, the Sixth Enugu State House of Assembly is in a harmonious and symbiotic, efficient and cordial relationship with the Governor.
The executive work with us and we in the legislative arm work with them. Our governor has been a legislator, a high-ranking former chairman, House committee on maritime. He is a legislator per excellence. He saw, he conquered and he came back with wealth of experience. As a super and parent legislator he is, he has not let us down in any way. Due to his relationship with the legislature and that of the judiciary, Enugu state has remained peaceful and we are happy with the development.
With what you have said so far can you assess the infrastructural development in the state for the past 2 years?
Very much outstanding. As l have aforementioned, Governor Ugwuanyi has done so well in terms of infrastructural development. Also in my constituency, many health centres have been constructed and more than 18 of them have doctors /nurses quarters now. It did not end there, the whole facilities have been equipped with drugs and hospital equipment; water projects were not left out. This is the first time in Enugu state that solar-powered boreholes are being in constructed and commissioned for use. So, the infrastructural strides are overwhelming per se.
It has been observed that Enugu since 2 years ago is observing peaceful atmosphere, to what extent do you agree to that?
Yes, that is very true, I totally agree to that because Governor Ugwuanyi has a tendency I call Gburuburuism’’. Gburuburuism is a concept of calmness’’ nwayoo nwayoo’’. His calmness has made people know that there is value in peace and adequate use of diplomacy in resolving issues instead of resorting to violence. This has helped us in Enugu and has made Enugu a peaceful home because our Governor is an all-inclusive and religious man. He listens to the poor and the rich, young and old and so on and the Igwes are cruising on that and having a peaceful environment in their localities. The 473 communities in the state are happy and peaceful and I am happy too. I am concentrating on my constituency because no one is going to blow the trumpet for me that is why I am mostly emphasising on the projects and co-existence in my area. The brand of democracy being practised in Enugu state has not been practised anywhere in Nigeria. This brand of democracy I call it “gburugburutocracy’’. Regular salary, infrastructures, peace and government of spiritual enhancement. He uses attitude to disarm those who may feel angry. This kind of governor comes once in thousand years. God has used Governor Ugwuanyi to answer the prayers of Enugu state. In fact, these 2 years of Governor Ugwuanyi is 2 years of fulfilment and absolute quietness, the people are happy. He has revived and resuscitated (VEC) Visit Every Community in Enugu state to ensure empowerment of the rural communities. This is because people stood under the sun and rain to vote and made sure that their votes were counted. In return, they need to be empowered by finding out their needs through VEC. The people are happy celebrating our governor for his open door policies. Moreover, the governor; to ensure peace and tranquillity have inaugurated neighbourhood watch across the 17 local government areas of the state, equipped them with cars, motorcycles, ammunitions and physical cash to operate adequately and ensure security in whole areas of the state.
What Is Your Wish for the Governor As He Marks 2 Years In Office?
1, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor (JP) representing Nkanu East state constituency on behalf of my family and entire people of Nkanu East wish his Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Lawrence Ugwuanyi well.
We pray that God will continue to give him that wisdom and guide.
Even amidst economic recession and confusion rocking PDP in Abuja, he still pays workers’ salaries regularly. He is a man of means and material, a magic man because he believes in God and has handed Enugu state into the hands of God.
We, therefore, wish him a more successful 2 years ahead to complete the first tenure and God’s protection and good health to succeed and continue his second tenure till 2023.
We pray that Enugu shall continue to be peaceful and urge our people to play their part in partnering with the government for community development and co- existence between the government and the governed.
