Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
From Ike Cletus Ngah.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is undoubtedly a unifying factor among the diverse clans and critical stakeholders that make up Ebonyi State. He has been able to bring all the past Governors, Founding Fathers, National Assembly members and indeed other major stakeholders to a roundtable. This is no mean feat in a state which is hitherto polarized along party, clannish and religious lines.
This uncommon unity is coming at a time when many state Governors are at daggers drawn with their predecessors. Happily, Governor Nwifuru has not only maintained a good cordial relationship with his boss but has equally brought other notable leaders together for the peace and progress of our dear state. Thus, many cynical leaders standing aloof have now pitched their tents with the Unity Governor of Ebonyi state. They have all set aside their differences to work together with the present administration.
Although some doomsayers have continued to forecast a fallout between Governor Nwifuru and his predecessor, it’s obvious that the duo are not ready to entertain any rift. Those who envisage a fallout between the two leaders may wait till eternity as both have continued to reiterate their resolve to stick together for the development of Ebonyi state. For instance, the Governor has consistently maintained that Engr Umahi remains his boss and benefactor while the Works Minister has never hidden his admiration for him. This is a very good omen because it will fast-track the holistic improvement in all indices of development in the state. This is so because when two elephants fight, the grass will surely suffer but when they choose to work together, the grass will enjoy endlessly.
Incidentally, the significance of this cordiality, unity and peaceful coexistence in the state is legion. First, it’s a well-known fact that development thrives better in an atmosphere of peace. Therefore, Governor Nwifuru is more focused and composed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Ebonyi people. But when there is division, humongous resources and energies are dissipated in fighting opposition members and this usually takes a toll on good governance. Moreover, every leader needs the advice of his predecessors and other experienced stakeholders to effectively deliver the mandate of his office. Gladly, Governor Nwifuru is harvesting bountifully the useful inputs of his predecessors and other well-meaning Ebonyians in the leadership of our dear state.
Notably, who would have imagined that the former Senate President and SGF– Anyim Pius Anyim, the first Executive Governor of Ebonyi State – Dr Sam Egwu, the 2nd Executive Governor-Chief Martin Elechi and the immediate past Governor and current Minister of Works- Engr David Umahi will ever be together in one function exchanging pleasantries and making useful contributions to good governance in the state. Who would have imagined that despite their political differences and party affiliations, they would join hands together to elevate the status of Ebonyi state? It has never happened in the history of Ebonyi State that such leaders and many others attended Government functions and contributed their quota to good governance until the emergence of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. Today, all the notable leaders of the state have discarded their political differences and come together for the development of our dear state. This is indeed heartwarming.
Noteworthy is the fact that party delineations, affiliations and clannish balkanization have been completely diminished in Ebonyi state. It’s therefore safe to say that we only have one big political party in Ebonyi state which is called the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda. Nobody is still talking about APC, PDP, the or Labour Party in Ebonyi State because everyone is majorly concerned about the peace, progress and development of the state under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Come to think of it, do you still hear about Athe Buja Group versus the State Group, Organized Labour against the State, or even the complaints of neglect by the founding fathers? Unfortunately, these have been some of the recurring decimals in the previous administrations but they are now things of the past. A trip down memory lane will also reveal that there used to be a tug of-war between the NAS members and other Abuja groups who usually form formidable alliances against the State Government but today, it’s a thing of the past.
Interestingly, there’s currently a seamless synergy between the NAS members and the state government. Hence, they attend all government functions and equally complement the laudable achievements of the state government in their respective constituencies. Moreso, there’s a healthy competition for achievements among the NAS members in the state. This has not only brought development closer to the people but has guaranteed political stability and peaceful coexistence among the different entities in the state.
Furthermore, the revered traditional institutions have been venerated by Governor Nwifuru. Gone are the days when the Royal Fathers ran errands and hibernated around Government functions without dignity and self-esteem. In the current administration, our traditional rulers have been given their pride of place in all ramifications. The Governor has commenced the building of befitting palaces for all the government-recognized traditional rulers across the autonomous communities in the state. There’s also ongoing construction of two-kilometre roads in all the autonomous communities in the state. This gesture has helped to restore the glory of our traditional stool and brought peace to their respective communities.
Most importantly, due to the all-inclusive leadership style of Governor Nwifuru, opposition political parties have all collapsed their structures into the ruling APC in the state. The recent influx of decampees into the APC is a result of the peaceful disposition and inclusive leadership style of Governor Nwifuru.
Although, many people have expressed concerns about the conviviality of these strange bedfellows in the APC family, Governor Nwifuru’s creative approach to governance will be able to contain all their variegated interests. There will be no political implosions rather there will be prodigious progress in the state as a result of the massive influx of people into the ruling party. After all, it is said that, the more, the merrier. Thus, all notable leaders across the three Senatorial zones who were in the other political divides have joined the moving train of the People’s Charter of Needs mantra.
Finally, there’s a prevailing peace in all the communities in the state due to the people-oriented policies and programmes of the current administration. However, in a few areas where the Governor inherited pockets of crisis, efforts are on top gear to nip it in the bud. Thus, Ebonyi state has been rightly adjudged the most peaceful state in south-eastern Nigeria. This is quite commendable and calls for more concerted efforts from all and sundry to sustain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state. All well-meaning Ebonyians are warmly invited to join Governor Nwifuru in his avowed determination to rewrite the ugly history of the state. This is because leadership is a shared responsibility.
Hon. Ike Cletus Ngah is the Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State.
