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TRIBUTE TO UGWUANYI ON PEACE AMBASSADOR’S APPOINTMENT

Published

5 years ago

September 23, 2020

By Malachy Chuma Ochie

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God”, (Matthew 5:9)

The appointment a few days ago of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State by the Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC), as Peace Ambassador, in commemoration of this year’s International Day of Peace did not come as a surprise because it was an appointment worthy of the recipient and a loud confirmation of the Governor’s commitment to peace.

According to the country’s Programmes Director of GSAC, this recognition followed Ugwuanyi’s contributions to the promotion and sustenance of peace in diverse ways, especially in Enugu State. What a testament!

This appointment has also demonstrated that peace is the major ingredient needed by mankind to chart a way forward, essentially because it is only a person with a seared conscience that would deny the many dividends of the peace we have had in Enugu in the past six years.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Shaping Peace Together” , is even more indicative and instructive because it stresses the need for leaders, ordinary individuals, and groups to engage in activities that would promote understanding, tolerance, and togetherness wherever they may be.

There is no gainsaying the fact that in several parts of the world today, especially in Nigeria, there are many conflicts, disagreements, and crises.

Even in the midst of these crises, we still see people daily sounding the drums of war. The outcome of these diverse conflicts has constantly placed damning question marks on the sentences of our development.

But these human proclivities for conflicts notwithstanding, there are still men and women of honour and conscience who deny themselves a lot to look for peace and sustain it at all costs.

Such people are rare and they deserve commendation. Governor Ugwuanyi falls into this category.

The International Day of Peace, is, therefore, instituted to remind mankind of the need to promote and sustain peace because it is only with the peace that we can build a society that endures.

It is only with the peace that we can develop and achieve our collective goal. Therefore, we need peace in all aspects of human endeavor be it political, economic, or social spheres.

Peace is not easy to come by. It is easy to talk about peace, but it is also a difficult thing to practice.

That is why, each time we see anybody that has done something to promote peace, we try as much as possible to encourage the person to do more by way of recognition.

The foregoing aptly depicts the Ugwuanyi persona. He is a man of peace indeed.

This is one Governor in the history of Enugu State that has taken more insults and castigations than his predecessors, yet he remains calm as a gentle dove; preferring to conquer his adversaries through the mechanisms of peace and love.

Ugwuanyi’s vote for peace cannot be misconstrued for weakness by any stretch of the imagination. Rather it is an indication that he understands the importance of peace to the development of society more than the rest of us and that he is endowed with sublime and godly qualities to seek peace even in the face of unwarranted provocations and with so much executive power at his disposal.

Why is peace so important to us? First, we must understand that peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence.

In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict; and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or heterogeneous groups.

Peace is a product of a positive mental attitude, while violence is the result of negative thinking.

We must understand that the will of God for any society is peace; while the will of Satan for mankind is violence.

Peace is as much in accordance with God’s plan for humanity; just as violence is against it.

When peaceful conditions prevail in a society all activities take place in their proper form. But if the atmosphere of peace is disturbed, the normal functioning of society is disrupted. This law applies to the entire universe.

Peace is a state of non-suffering as well as a celebration of life. Peace ensures that you are aware of yourself and helps you take better decisions.

It gives you strength and you stay calm when things go wrong and out of control. Peace provides you the freedom and helps you to put things in order.

Peace is one of the most essential things we need to make us thrive. In the absence of peace, our society sooner than later degenerates into the Hobbesian state of nature where life is essentially short, nasty and brutish.

Without peace, it will be impossible for us to learn or to create something or even to develop. The absence of peace is an invitation to chaos and social entropy. Without peace, there will be conflicts and wars, and we all will be too busy trying to protect our lives.

This is the lesson that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has taught us since his emergence as Governor of Enugu State. No legacy can be greater than this.

This is a man who inherited a fractious state; a state haunted by its bestial past of killings, viciousness and hatred; mutual suspicion and perpetual subversion; a state signposted by divisiveness and acrimony.

Some would have fainted at the enormous challenges that confronted him in 2015.

Yet, Governor Ugwuanyi’s principle of persistence has taught us never to quit in the face of adversity or challenge.

At the point he took over the reins of leadership in Enugu State, not too many people gave him a chance to cleanse the Augean stable.

But like the legendary Hercules in the Greek mythology, he set about his duty with the mindset of performing the Herculean task.

For the faint-hearted, it was a time when quit looked good; when the problems seemed insurmountable, when the giants seemed unbeatable, when the mountains seemed unmovable when defeat seemed inescapable and quit looked good.

But Ugwuanyi applied wisdom, adopted a bipartisan approach to governance and in a record time healed our wounds with his balm of Gilead.

Only Governor Ugwuanyi could have brought former Governors Chimaroke and Sullivan Chime together; only Governor Ugwuanyi could have commanded the trust and confidence of Ebeano political dynasty to pay homage and obeisance to the Ugwuanyi mystic. Only Governor Ugwuanyi could have resolved the Oruku-Umuode conflict which lasted for decades and led to the destruction of numerous lives and property.

Governor Ugwuanyi is indeed a man among men, a patriot among patriots and a dove of peace sent to us from God.

What more legacies can he bequeath to Enugu State than that we support him to identify and enthrone a person who will sustain his peaceful legacies?

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has taught us that where war destroys and tears apart, peace builds, strengthens and restores.

He has shown us that peaceful revolution is the outcome of peaceful thinking; that peaceful minds make for a peaceful world and that a peaceful society is a result of peaceful persons, that peace can be established only when every single unit of society is ready to live in peace; and that only those persons who are ready to remain patient, regardless of the circumstances can live in peace.

As far as Enugu State is concerned, sustaining peace does not mean creating new mechanisms; but instead to use existing mechanisms agreed by all to address a conceptual shift in how we respond to issues; and more importantly, to strengthen resilience and capacities of individuals and groups in our State that actively promote peace.

Our Lord Jesus Christ must have had people like Governor Ugwuanyi in mind when he declared the 7th of the eight beatitudes, to wit, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God”.

Congratulations Your Excellency, for you are indeed a worthy Ambassador of Peace

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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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