GOV. UGWUANYI'S UNCOMMON BENEVOLENCE AND MAGNANIMITY TO THE VICTIMS OF EndSARS VIOLENCE.

GOV. UGWUANYI'S UNCOMMON BENEVOLENCE AND MAGNANIMITY TO THE VICTIMS OF EndSARS VIOLENCE.

By Jeff Ejiofor

12/11/2020.

It is popularly said that when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. The recent setting up of a judicial panel of enquiry to ascertain the level of damage and losses from the EndSARS violence with a view to adequately compensating the victims is highly commendable and an act of benevolence by the Government of Enugu State. This is about the first governor to initiate this bold step in the wake of the unfortunate EndSARS violence that rocked many states. His proactive and benevolent nature is immesurable and should be commended by all men of goodwill to serve as an encouragement to others. When we say Enugu is in the hands of God, it is because we're enjoying a purposeful and people oriented leadership. A leadership with its primary focus on the wellbeing and welfare of citizens.

Apparently, cynics and self styled critics of government will certainly not see any big deal in the prompt manner with which the governor responded to this issue, but objective and rational reasoning acknowledge this lofty efforts. Whether anybody likes it or not, Enugu State is lucky to have a godly man at the helm of affairs. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is godly and nobody can take it away from him, even his detractors know that. It's a well known fact that most states affected by this problem have not made any tangible efforts at addressing the plight of the victims as Ugwuanyi has done. This is indeed a responsible leadership from a benevolent man with a very large heart.

In addition to instituting a framework to address the affected victims of the violence, Gov. Ugwuanyi has also proactively taken steps to repair and replace damaged infrastructure. Rural Electrification Agency has been directed by the governor to immediately restore the traffic and street lights damaged in the process of the violence. It's my pleasure to note here that they have swung into action and some of them are now functional again. Even the temporary bus stops destroyed are now being replaced by more quality and durable ones. The city monuments errected at some strategic places such as Otigba Roundabout are being fixed to restore the beauty of Enugu. Even some road demarcating protectors installed to enhance traffic control in busy areas destroyed by hoodlums during the crisis are also receiving prompt attention.

His Excellency has equally taken steps to address some of the issues affecting the youths which were raised during the protest. In the area of empowernment, the governor has stepped up efforts to provide more funds and opportunities to boost SME in the state. A lot of new policies and schemes have been introduced in this regard and many people are availing themselves of the opportunity presented by that. Recall also that at the begining of the protest, Ugwuanyi set up a panel of enquiry with quality membership which included the youths, to look into the issues raised and profer solution. The committee have since commensed sitting and are contributing immensely in providing policy framework that will address most of the grievances tabled by the youths during the EndSARS protest. Only few governors in Nigeria have been able to articulate this line of action. It takes a governor with the interest of the people at heart to do that and Ugwuanyi is the man.

Incidentally, this display of magnanimity and call to duty by the governor is not trending because naysayers and self acclaimed social media critics are only interested in his perceived shortcomings. They are not always comfortable with the popular and people oriented policies which have become the hallmark of his administration. The work as designated by their paymasters is to continually scoop social media space and evening beer palour gatherings in search of unfounded and damaging criticisms to deceive the public. They can never report issues of critical importance addressed by the governor. His Excellency's inroads in social and educational sectors do not matter to them. His upward adjustment of Enugu workers' salary to be at par with national average which has put on him a huge wage bill for the first time in the history of Enugu State mean nothing to them. Even the award of scholarships to Enugu students for further studies in both foreign and local institutions of higher learning is of no significance to such group of people. The provision of road and health infrastructure in the rural areas to enhance the quality of lives of rural dwellers as is being aggressively pursued by this administration is of no use to them. The only thing that matters in their world of illusion is construction of flyovers around Enugu whether such is necessay or not. Most of them complain of not being settled with appointment after campaigning for the governor. Some even said he has not addressed the overall problems of Enugu State people including providing daily bread for every citizen. Only God knows if any government in this world, including the ones of advanced societies have ever been able to satisfy human and societal needs or wants. I personally see such critics as dubiously mischevious. They manipulate the obtainable realities to confuse the gullible into believing in the existence of an utopian perfection.

In conclusion, let me succinctly advise us to appreciate good works so as to expect more. An Igbo adage taught us that whenever we appreciate and commend goodwill, we have chances of receiving more, ' eto dike n' nke omelu, omekwa ozo'. It is explicit that Ugwuanyi is irrevocably committed to good and responsible governance geared towards uplifting the living standard of Enugu people. What we owe him as a people is our support, as well as prayers to continue serving us better. Dalu ezigbo onye ndu chukwu kwadolu, we are solidly behind you.

Enugu is in the hands of God.