The Book of Matthew from Chapter 5, verse 9 had a direct and clear message. It states “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the sons or the children of God”. This beatitude listed among others by Jesus Christ on the Mount clearly encapsulates the expectations of our Creator and the fine rewards attached to those who would be acclaimed as peace makers. While one may claim to be a product of God’s creation, it is truly magnifying to be addressed as a true child of God by virtue of the goodness exhibited by an individual. Those who stand in the council of the peace makers shall be decorated as God’s own children. Those, who by their actions, dispositions and attitudes support the reign of peace in their society are to be addressed as true children of God. What an admonition!
Enter Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the arena. There is no doubt that this unassuming leader has invested so much in the ingrainment of peace via his good governance trajectories in Enugu State. It is worthy to emphasize that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has always associated with any issue as it were aimed at promoting peace and the general good of the people. It is worthy of mention that some of the festered communal conflicts in Enugu communities have today been doused greatly courtesy of Ugwuanyi’s uncommon intervention. One would also be considered at ease to assert that the many interventions of the government of Ugwuanyi in the area of security such as the establishment of the forest guards, special constabularies etc has far reaching effects in the relative peace enjoyed by Ndi Enugu in the midst of other security challenges around the country including the neighboring states of Enugu.
One could recall with a sense of pride that in the wake of the #EndSars protests that rocked the nation in year 2020, which threatened her fragile peace, Enugu State recorded the least uproar among the protesters based on the identifiable good governance trajectories of Ugwuanyi’s administration. While several warehouses across the country was looted by the protesters in search of stored COVID-19 palliatives, Enugu State remained largely safe. Of course, it was discovered that no palliative was hidden anywhere and that every item meant to be distributed to those it was meant for got more than a fair share of their due.
Arising from the summit of the southern governors forum earlier held in Lagos during which the leaders resolved to enact the enabling laws to stem farmers – herders conflict by coming strongly against open grazing in the 21st century, governor Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi did not waste time in becoming one of the top four in the whole of the South region and the first in the whole of the South East to not only enact the anti open grazing law but followed it with a quick assent. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Aka Gburu-Gburu is an embodiment of peace. Just this week, the news trended that the Enugu State government has suspended with immediate effect the Traditional Ruler of Ihekwuenu Aku Autonomous Community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Igwe Christopher Everestus Okwor. According to the release by the Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the suspension of Igwe Okwo falls in line with the disposition of his Excellency, the governor to uphold peace, order and good governance and also in direct compliance with the relevant sections of the Traditional Rulers Law as enshrined in section 10b, Cap 151, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004.
The suspended monarch was therefore punished for alleged demolition of a property belonging to a visually impaired citizen of the community which has inadvertently raised dust and had led to the wanton destruction of property and threat to the lives of the members of the community. This is indeed a clear message to Ndi Enugu that their leader abhors violence in any shape and would always work for the enthronement of sustainable peace in the state. It is therefore not surprising to observe the government of Ugwuanyi associating itself with everything that concerns peace. The United Nation General Assembly recently marked the International Day of Peace in the quest to promote global Peace and harmony, the government of Enugu State was prompt to send her heartfelt solidarity with the United Nation and the Federal government while urging every citizen to take responsibility for global peace building.
The goodwill message authored by the state Commissioner for Information and directed to UNGA and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular can only be said to emanate from a government who sleeps peace, drinks peace and walks peace. I am certain too that as the issue of who succeeds Governor Ugwuanyi at the Lion Building come 2023 and where such successor is likely to emerge from heats up, the general nature of the Governor as a calm and peaceful personality has continued to douse the political turmoil that might asphyxiate the peace of Ndi Enugu.
Truly, Enugu State is flourishing in the hands of God.
Bibian Anekwe News added – “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better” .
Written by
Austin Okechukwu Chijioke.
A Public Affairs Commentator.
Media Team Member of ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
