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GOV. IFEANYI UGWUANYI: THE DOYEN OF PEACE

Published

5 years ago

September 24, 2020

By Jeff Ejiofor

It is Nelson Mandela that said; “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy, then he becomes your partner”.

Enugu State since its creation in 1991 never had it so good in terms of peace as it has today. The peace being witnessed under the current leadership of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is unprecedented in the annals of our history as a people. This has led to the recent well deserved appointment of the governor as a peace ambassador by Global Society for Anti-Corruption. (GSAC). The appointment is no doubt a perfect reflection of the current reality in Enugu State.

Unarguably, never in the history of Enugu State had any government fostered so much peace and enduring unity among the citizens where all political actors work together as it’s being done today. Various testimonies from Enugu leaders of thought including the clergy have confirmed this assertion.

Evidently, former governors of the state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Dr. Senator Chimaroke Nnamani as well as clergymen, Archibishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, and a host of other leaders had all eulogized him for providing the platform for unity, peace, and harmonious existence. They commended him for entrenching peace, tranquility, and good governance, in a manner that has never been experienced before. They further described him as a man of history and expressed delight that he has united everybody in the state irrespective of political leaning. They averred that the culture of peace and good governance he has instituted in the state is fundamentally unprecedented in the history of modern Igbo political leadership.

According to the former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, since 1999, he had not spent up to 2 weeks in Enugu State, but recently, he has spent 6 uninterrupted months in the state because of peace and security instituted by the Ugwuanyi administration. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo on his own part stated that Ugwuanyi has done remarkably well in the area of peace, and added that this is the first time, since the current republic, a regime is providing peace within the party and across party lines. Senator Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani while corroborating the above positions, declared that Ugwuanyi has appropriated justice, equity, and fairness to all, which has, in turn, ensured enduring peace and stability in Enugu State.

Interestingly, even the clergymen were not left out of these outpour of encomiums on the governor. The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, said that Ugwuanyi’s penchant for peace is unparalleled, and has made Enugu State experience outstanding peace where everybody, irrespective of creed, class, or religious affiliation is given equal treatment. Also, the firebrand catholic priest and spiritual director of Adoration Ministry, Emene, Rv. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, described him as a rare gem, and God-fearing leader who has continued to lead Enugu State on the part of peace and progress, with uncommon zeal, passion, and humility, even after his re-election for the second term in office. The newly elected chairman of CAN, Enugu State Chapter, Rev. Emmanuel Ede, also lent his voice and commended the governor’s peaceful disposition which he said has re-positioned Enugu as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Undoubtedly, Ugwuanyi is the first governor of Enugu State to enthrone and preside over a state with unmitigated bi-partisan cordiality and mutual relationship among the three arms of government. He equally achieved exceptional consensus between the government and the organized labour, which brought enduring industrial peace in the state. The usual internal wranglings within the government are completely absent in his regime. He made sure no organ or tier of government is in conflict with another since the inception of his administration. In short, the peace currently in Enugu State is akin to the PEACE that passeth every understanding, the PEACE of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and it’s unprecedented in the history of Nigerian politics.

Apparently, with all these testimonies coming from different segments of the society, it’s abundantly clear that Gov. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi is an enigma, an epitome of peace, and embodiment of love. The recent resurrection/reunion of the Ebeano political family which saw to the reconciliation of sworn political foes in the state was indisputable evidence. Among those reconciled were two former governors, Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime. This historic peace accord reached under the auspices of Gburugburu is a major political breakthrough that demands our collective accolades to him. A feat no political leader in the history of Enugu State had ever attempted. No wonder the no-nonsense Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka described him as a sanctuary of conflict resolution.

Ugwuanyi is indeed a gift to Wawa nation as espoused by the President-General of Enugu State Development Association (ESDA), Chief Elechi Onyia, who said his identification of the principles of love, unity, and peace among the political, religious, and traditional institutions as one of the cardinal dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of Enugu State is unimaginable and highly commendable.

In a nutshell, Enugu is lucky to have a leader like Gburugburu who cherishes peace, unity, and love as fundamentals for good governance. Those in doubt of the veracity of peaceful co-existence should ask the citizens of states where there are political wars, they will surely and continually sing Gov. Ugwuanyi’s praises for being a peace lover and ambassador.

Indeed, Enugu is in the safe hands of God!

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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