The crop of energetic, pragmatic and sensible youth (the majority of whom are in their late thirties and early forties) that finally made the list, has eventually proved to everyone that the governor is immensely prepared for the job task ahead, Emeka Iboko writes.
The fourth Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has formally sworn in 35 Commissioners and more than 63 SSAs and SAs bringing to a total of 98 appointees (excluding principal staff members) since he assumed office three weeks ago. He is, arguably the governor, among the three newly sworn-in governors in the southeast, who currently has the highest number of cabinet members.
He has, therefore, proved his hasty critics wrong. A faceless group had, barely three days after his inauguration, asked the governor to resign; erroneously accusing him of ineptitude simply because of his understandable momentary delay but meticulous method of selecting his Exco Members.
It's, therefore, an expression of mediocrity to attempt to criticise what you don't understand. However, those who are optimistic and able to fight adversity, use the wisdom of 'One door closes and another one opens' as an incentive to move ahead progressively and successfully, too. We should be reminded that a setback that leaves one lying flat and immobilised also galvanises another person into action.
The crop of energetic, pragmatic and sensible youth (the majority of whom are in their late thirties and early forties) that finally made the list, has eventually proved to everyone that the governor is immensely prepared for the job- task ahead. He reiterated his readiness to genuinely develop the state in all facets.
The appointees were charged, by the governor, to take their duties seriously and discharge them with a high sense of professionalism, dedication and commitment; reminding them that 'To whom much is given, much is also expected'.
In his words 'As you all know, this is a call to serve, while I congratulate you, I implore you to take your duties seriously and I say it clearly, the appointments are not political patronage. If I see lapses in your office, you are leaving the next minute; and I can never call you back '. Forewarned is forearmed!
'Our state is very charged waiting for our leadership style and we must show them that we can deliver. We are grateful to Ebonyians for their patience, especially when it comes to the environment and by the grace of God, we will deliver. The governor is a man of few words but always believes actions speak louder than words.
He has always wanted competent and credible people, not those who will rock the boat professionally. Having mentioned the issue of the environment, I was impressed that the governor is fully kept abreast of the state of our environment/surroundings at the moment.
He has, at last, made the best choice of his cabinet members. Yes, what most of us, periodically, forget easily is that a defeat - real or imposed - is nothing but education; and also nothing but a first step to something greater and better. To be momentarily defeated and not surrender, is a long-lasting victory.
Similarly, making up your mind about what is important to you; what comes first and how to find and strike a balance is heroic and he has finally taken the bull by the horns.
Once, there was a sermon about Abraham (the father of faith) and his beloved wife, Sarah, who was well into her seventies before being blessed by the Highest God and becoming pregnant with their first child. And this always reminds me of one thing- with God nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible.
Also during the swearing-in, he ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the gigantic Ezzilo Water Plant. There was a spontaneous overt jubilation in the crowded Exco Chambers. The people heaved a sigh of relief knowing full well that the availability of potable water, in the state, is in sight. The people also remembered, with nostalgia, how the state which had potable running water regrettably faced acute water scarcity for eight horrible years under Umahi; after Chief Martin Elechi invested billions of naira in the water project.
Governor Nwifuru pleaded with the people to be patient, law-abiding and supportive of his government reminding them that no man is good enough to govern another without their consent. Whenever we're in the forge or on the anvil by trails, God is shaping us for higher things. That nobody likes to wear the badge of wounded self-esteem and he cannot be an exception.
Personal plea:
I wish to, first of all, acknowledge the tremendous value of our patience and understanding, especially in the face of over-heaped rubbish dumps, nay surroundings. Let's always remember that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. But he who laughs last laughs longest. Governor Nwifuru will deliver, to the letter, all his campaign promises because lightning never strikes in the same place twice.
We may have individually experienced how exceedingly difficult it could be to move into a building that has just been vacated by another occupant. Qualitative good governance is not a temporary show of excitement and manipulation by an over-articulate section of the elite and it's captive led. Enduring democracy and the mutually beneficial rule is a permanent diet to nurture the soul of the whole Ebonyi citizens, residents, visitors and the political process.
It's time we used our judgement, not our emotions, in deciding on the affairs of the state. Our degree is just an academic rank and a piece of paper. However, our education is seen in our choices and behaviour; and we must be on our best behaviour at all times.
Emeka Iboko ( High Chief) is our Guest Writer and Public Affairs Analyst.
