Robin
S. Sharma one of the world's
premier thinkers on leadership, personal growth and life management with Engr. Dave
Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State in mind stated and I quote, “Leadership is
not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence and
inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the
passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and
customers”. It is the impact, influence and inspiration that this new
power block has brought in the politics of Ebonyi State that influenced this
treatise.
It
is no longer news that not minding all the odds and obstacles put before his
path by former governor, Martin Elechi’s political machine, the indefatigable
Engr, Dave. Nweze Umahi won the gubernatorial election in Ebonyi State in 2015
very convincingly. It was an election that radically changed the political mindset
and landscape of Ebonyi State and made Umahi the first person from the southern
section of the state to become Governor of the state. Barely a year after
assuming office, Umahi had already exhibited and impacted his vision so visibly
that Nigerians now boast and celebrate that truly a new visionary, focused,
determined, patriotic, revolutionary, egalitarian leader. Indeed, everyone
seems to agree that Umahi is one leader cast in the mould of Dr Akanu Ibiam,
the first Governor of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, who happens to come from the
same section of the state like Umahi.
His
Mission
John
C. Maxwell an internationally
recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 16 million
books after critically examining the mission of Engr Umahi of Ebonyi State
stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the
way”. In thesame vein, John Quincy Adams an American
diplomat, statesman who served as the sixth president of the United States from
1825 to 1829 stated, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn
more, do more and become more, you are a leader”.
It
is based on these summations by these great minds that Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi
who has exhibited that he knows the way and is capable of showing others the way
drafted his mission statement to drive his vision in emancipating and anchor
the current revolution in Ebonyi State, “Our mission in Ebonyi State is
to enhance the welfare of our people, and empower all Ebonyians to be
self-reliant, through the compassionate delivery of transparent and God-fearing
governance, based on integrity and dignity,” while his core values in
governance are: “In this administration, everything I do must reflect my
covenant with God, which he gave to me by himself, namely:-
1.
To serve Ebonyi State with the fear of God
2.
To prosper Ebonyi State with the word of God
3.
To make Ebonyi State the number one economy in the whole country
4.
To passionately help the widows and the oppressed
5.
To build a befitting place of worship like Solomon did, so that any Ebonyian
that is faced with any difficulty anywhere in the world and turns to the
direction of the temple, and calls upon the name of the Lord, God will answer
such prayers.”
In
examining the above mission statement and core values of Umahi’s administration
and its impact on families and the people of Ebonyi State since he assumed
office as governor of Ebonyi State that made Ebonyi State as a state to stand
in unison to state that it is either him or nobody else that should have the
mandate of the Ebonyians in the 2019 gubernatorial election is the main thrust
of this treatise. To do justice to this attempt, I wish that I have the luxury
of time to give the reader an elaborate insight into the history of this new
power block in the politics of Ebonyi State. But sadly time, as usual, is never
my friend. Bear with me as I will only focus on some of the feats of this new
kid on the block that has taken it upon himself to give a new meaning to
politics and leadership in Ebonyi State.
For
avoidance of doubt, I am prompted to do this treatise after I was mandated to
visit and cover some of the activities of the governor in my capacity as the
Technical Assistant to the Governor on Media, by my immediate boss, Elder
Emmanuel Anya, the CPS to the Governor, during the just-ended festivities in
the Uburu country home of this unassuming but decisive Governor of Ebonyi
State. Though related to the governor, coming from the same town and him
marrying one of my beautiful aunties, Chief (Mrs) Rachael Umahi, I couldn’t
believe what I saw at the palatial country home of the governor. In my fantasy,
I asked my colleagues where exactly I was, because the edifice I saw
demonstrates the class and personality of Governor Umahi. A compound that could
comfortably host any type of event with a full complete football field, with
one of the best stands obtainable in any European stadia. I watched the
governor from a distance, as he attended to guests from all parts of the state
that came in thousands to pay Christmas and New Year homage; and the type of
energy and wisdom showcased by the governor for the ten days I stayed made me
to understand why the governor insisted that his coming to power was only
through the ‘Divine Mandate of God’, because a man who is not so
endowed can’t withstand the type of pressure of welcoming and dancing with
various communities for 18 hours daily for 10 days, without breaking down or
any sign of fatigue. This made me think that Ray Kroc the founder
of the McDonald's Corporation has Umahi in mind when he stated that, “The
quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves”.
You
Must Go For a Second Term, Ebonyi People Tell Umahi
Though
it is about two years to the 2019 general elections, the people of Ebonyi State
do not want take any chances, as according to them, ‘Umahi has
demonstrated commitment towards the development and emancipation of our state
and our people, and have gone a step forward to collectively put it to the
Governor that he must not only contest the general elections but must stand as
the sole candidate representing the aspirations of the entire State.’
Hon
Linus Okorie, representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the
House of Representatives, who after observing and due consultation with various
communities that came in thousands during the Christmas and New Year homage to
the Governor, moved the motion that Umahi must not only stand for the second
term in the 2019 general elections, but must be the sole candidate of PDP and
other progressives parties desirous of the greatness and future of Ebonyi
State.
Hon
Odefa Obasi Odefa the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi
State House of Assembly, seconded the motion, stating that if the feats of Governor
Umahi less than two years in office are anything to go by he should stand as
the sole candidate of all the functional political parties in Ebonyi State
during the 2019 gubernatorial elections. ‘The fact remains that we in
Ebonyi State are not only blessed through Umahi who has exposed our state to
unprecedented revolution and transformation of our dear state, but we can
proudly stand before any state in the federation in terms of having a visionary
leader whose impact is very visible, even to the blind.’
In
a similar development, the Senior Technical Advisers and Technical Advisers to
the Governor spoke through their leader, Mark Onu: “We are happy with
you. Your second tenure is assured. We can only disagree with you if you refuse
to present yourself. But I know the good Lord will guide you in all your
dealings.” They noted that Umahi had given the state a facelift within
a short space of time, and urged him to come out for a second term in office.
Following
the steps of the entire state, the people of Ezza North in a separate event
have pleaded with Governor Umahi not to go to Abuja until he completes the
“good works” he is doing in the state, by contesting the 2019 polls. their
spokesman, Mr. Hygienus Nwokwu, said: “Your Excellency, we are highly
pleased with the good works you are doing in this our state. We are
particularly pleased that our LGA has been well favoured in the area of
infrastructural development. You have ensured equity in the spread of projects
and appointments. We are happy with you, sir. But, your Excellency, we want to
plead with you not to go to Abuja yet. We say this because very soon, people in
Abuja will soon ask you to come to the centre. But we say don't go yet, until
you have completed the good works you have started. That they did not want a
situation where the governor’s “massive projects would not be completed.”
The
Governor Reacts
“We
are entering the year 2017 with an assured hope for positive changes:
Assurances of total turn-around in all areas of our individual and collective
lives.
As
a government, we are thankful to God that Ebonyi is among the few states of the
federation where civil servants went home with their salaries from January to
December, and are paid by 15th of every month. We have even done more than that
by paying 13thmonth salary to all civil servants. This we have done
for two years running.
“That
Ebonyi is counted among the few states that do not owe salaries is not only
remarkable, it is a testimony of rare ingenuity on the part of my administration.
As
we begin 2017, the story will not change. It is equally worthy to note our
achievements in the area of agriculture, the health sector, and road
construction in the year just ended. The opening up of our rural villages
through massive road construction and street light projects across the three
senatorial districts is eloquent testimonial of our successes within our 18
months in office. In the capital city Abakaliki, urban renewal and
beautification were given priority through streetlights and road
rehabilitation/construction.
“Agriculture
is one area we have regained national prominence and accolades, even from
President, Muhammadu Buhari. It is a thing of joy that Ebonyi is now a
reference point in terms of agriculture. I am highly glad that Ebonyians keyed
into our vision to make agriculture our principal income earner. We will not
lose our focus and vision in this area in 2017.
We
cannot be talking about achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture without
opening up our local roads, for effective and efficient evacuation of farm
produce to our urban markets. Thus, this year 2017, we shall strive assiduously
to ensure commencement of work on the Abakaliki Ring Road, which cuts across
most of the local government areas in the state.
“In
2017, we shall take our rural electrification project to all the three
senatorial districts. Health and Education sectors will not be left out. They
will witness quantum leap in terms of improvement in facilities, manpower and,
of course, performance. Our intention is to make life in our villages
comfortable. By this, we will be able to keep the youths at home where they can
engage in noble ventures, especially agriculture.
“To
fight poverty in 2017 and effectively too, we shall continue with our empowerment
programmes. More of our youths must be engaged through deliberate empowerment
policies of my government. Women will not be left out. We shall empower the
women in several ways, to ensure they are engaged in productive ventures.
“In
the area of security, my government is awake to the challenges of securing
lives and property in the state, and will remain so ever. Ebonyi is no longer a
safe haven for kidnappers and armed robbers. I am glad to tell Ebonyians that
throughout the Yuletide, there was no news of kidnapping or armed robbery in
any part of the state.
“I
welcome you to 2017: A year of greater hopes and harvests of love, wealth and
goodwill for all Ebonyians. God bless you. Have a prosperous and joyous New
Year.”
2019
Endorsement justified or not - Be the Judge
That
the various communities in Ebonyi State have resolved to endorse Engr Umahi,
the indefatigable Governor of Ebonyi State, for the 2019 general elections is
to me demonstration of appreciation of gratitude to Umahi's unprecedented
feats. This position of Ebonyi people notwithstanding let me at this point
critically review some of the unique feats of Umahi that made the Ebonyi people
to take this critical stand at this critical time of their chequered history.
Impact
of governance
In examining the impact of
governance in Ebonyi State under Engr. Dave Umahi, let us listen to what Jackie
Robinson one of the more iconic figures in Dodgers and Harold
Kushner the spiritual leader at Temple Israel for over 25 years and the well-known
author of When Bad Things Happen to Good said about the philosophy of
Umahi in the arts of governance, “A life is not important except in the
impact it has on other lives” and. “Caring about others, running
the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness”
respectively.
Today,
Ebonyi State is referred to as one huge construction site, and a reference case
in terms of revolution in agriculture, and number one state in the area of
health delivery to her people. This is particularly in the area of elimination
of malaria epidemic. With three solid flyovers almost completed and to be
commissioned formally for public use by March, 2017 by President Muahmmadu
Buhari, these feats within less than two years in office by this enigma of a
leader, let me capture what is happening in Ebonyi State more aptly.
Engr
Babachir Lawal, a chieftain of the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation
(SGF) said it all: “Well, I cannot in all honesty understand how these
works have been achieved within this short time and, indeed, in the climate of
dire economic shortages of government. I am impressed that you (Dave Umahi)
were able to do these works within the cost you mentioned. I can, in all honesty,
tell you that the work is far beyond the cost. Now, this is a standard for
other states and the Federal Government to emulate. To me, Governor Umahi is
one of the few persons who believe that meagre resources could be used to
achieve much, if we remove greed, which breeds corruption. Without mincing
words, Umahi, is better than some governors in my own party, the APC.”
1.
Construction of First Fly-overs in Ebonyi State
The
fact remains that the people of Ebonyi State see fly-over bridges when they visit
other state capitals. But, Umahi’s administration has boldly embarked on the
construction of three fly-over bridges in the state capital, and a
pedestrian-crossing, the first of its kind since the creation of Ebonyi State.
The fly-overs located at Akanu Ibiam Roundabout, Presco Junction and at the
International Market, are built to ease human and vehicular movements along the
Trans-African Sahara Road, which connects most northern states and Cameroon.
The pedestrian-crossing at the gate of the permanent site of the Ebonyi State
University will, on completion, ensure that crossing the busy Abakaliki–Enugu
Expressway by students will be hitch-free. The fly-overs, which have reached
advanced stages of completion, will be commissioned by March this year, all things
being equal.
2.
Rehabilitation/Asphalting of Roads
These
are: Water Works Road, Ogoja–Onuebonyi–Rice Mill Road, Gunning Road, New Market
Road, Nkaliki–EBBC–EBHA–Abakaliki LGA Road, Hosanna Park, Hosanna Street, Ezika
Street (Yam market), Old Park, Jos Street, Obiri Street, Nwodo Street, Mberi
Street, Awolowo Street, Nsugbe Street, Uga Street, Ezza Road, Udensi
Roundabout–Mile 50, Adiq Suite Road, Gulf Roundabout–Quarry–Fide Mbam Road,
Hausa Quarters, Onwe Road, Vanco Junction to Government House, Convent Road,
Meat Market, New Market Road, Udemezue Street, Arondizuogu Street, Nkwogu
Street and Zik Avenue.
3.
Ongoing Roads, Fly-Over Bridges in Abakaliki
Akanu
Ibiam fly-over, Presco Junction flyover, International Market flyover, EBSU
Campus-gate Pedestrian crossing, Udensi Bridge, Haraca–Oshim Igbele Street, Obi
Street, Watchman Street, Ibe/Obodoukwu Street, Osborn La-Palm–Ogbaga Road, Eze
& Bros–Oroke Onuoha Road, Erkanka Street, Agbado-Ozo Street from FRSC,
Aguogboriga layout, Police Quarters internal road, Mbam-Agbo Extension (a
virgin road), Mbam-Agbo Street, from G Hostel, Off Hatchery Road, Ezeadikwa
Street, Ugo Dan Street, Emefor Street, Agbaja Road (from Chosen church, IDU
Hall), Omougo Street, Itapa Azobu, opposite Grace Court, Amike Aba Road, Edema
Close, Ezekeikwo Street, Mgbabor Street, Oroke Onuoha Road, St Patrick’s
Church–Ogbaga Road (swamp), Diamond Point Road, road behind Staff Development
Centre, Anulo Junction–Nwogodo Road. Ndiagu Layout, Abakaliki, Onoogolu
Street, Isuofia Street, Okeke Street, Ugwuoba Street, Nsukka Street, Nawfia
Street, Akaeze Street, Mbadugha Street, Neni Street, Ukpo Street, Uke Street,
Anekwe Street, Igbokwe Street, Iwolo Street, Adazi Street, Atuenyi Street,
Mbanefo Street, Ezejiofor Street, Nnewi Street, Abagana Street.
4.
Ongoing Projects in Ebonyi North
Ezzamgbo–Effium
road, Hill Top–Nwofe road, Ishieke–Odomoke road (Nwiboko Obodo road),
Amike–Abegu-Ozibo bridge, Amachara–Oferekpe–Ovuduechi road.
5.
Ongoing projects in Ebonyi Central
Enyibichiri
Ikwo Road, Ndufu–Alike–FUNAI Road, Nkalagu–Ehamufu Road.
6.
Ongoing Projects in Ebonyi South
Amasiri–Okposi–Uburu
road, Ezzama–Oshiri-Onicha-Isu-Uburu Road, Amasiri–Nguzu–Owutu Edda Road,
Amangwu–Owutu Edda Bridge, Ihenu channelisation/culverts, Ntezi–Agba–Isu Road.
7.
Prudent Management of
Finances
In
achieving a prudent management of the scarce funds available to Ebonyi State, a
serious ‘woman of God’, Dr (Pastor) Queen Agwu, was appointed as the
Accountant-General of the State, with Dr Dennis Ude Ekumankama, a very
forthright fellow as the Commissioner for Finance, and Dr Ignatius Unah as the
Permanent Secretary of the ministry. With these trio financial wizards,
Ebonyians can be rest-assured that their funds are not only safe, but will be
utilised to achieve the vision and mission of the David of our time.
8.
Peace in Ebonyi
The
governor, in his principle that if there is no peace, meaningful development
will not only be elusive but developments earlier achieved will be destroyed, has
reiterated that trouble-makers should look for other states to relocate.
Setting the pace in sustaining peace in Ebonyi, thereby making the state
conducive for a peaceful celebration, Chief Umahi, said he would deal
decisively with any individual or group of persons that attempts to re-ignite
the Ezza-Ezillo crisis that has claimed more than 200 lives, and property worth
millions of naira destroyed.
The
governor said that he is still committed to ensure that the peace accord signed
by Ezilo and Ezza-Ezilo people, which brought to an end the protracted communal
clash, is not violated by any individual no matter how highly placed. His
words: “I stand on the altar of God to say that anybody that wants to ignite
crisis in Ezza-Ezillo, I will crush the person. I have directed that the people
that organised or wanted to organise a rally in honour of their brothers and
sisters in the unfortunate incident should be made available to me. They will
spend the Christmas in cell. I must be emphatic, there is nothing to remember.”
9.
Ex-lawmakers, Chairmen to Earn Monthly Pay
The
essence of leadership is to make impact in the lives of the led, subjects and
followers. It is in this regard that the Ebonyi State Governor has said that
plans are underway to pay monthly stipends to ex-lawmakers and local government
chiefs of the state. He announced this at his Uburu country home when the
people of Izzi clan, comprising Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebonyi local government
areas paid him Christmas and New Year homage. “My aim is to carry everybody
along, especially the political class. That’s why I will be approaching the
House of Assembly to ask them for approval so that those legislators that are
not on seat now, we start paying them some stipends. Former local government
chairmen will also be included. I believe this is how we can get them to help
in developing and creating wealth in our state, and will assist to douse
tension and allow me some concentration with them so that we can complete the
work we have started.”
10.
Four new modern cities, to become areas of modern attraction, will be created
as a cassava plant procured for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone should be sited in
Oshiri.
The
governor, out of his magnanimity, has directed for the reduction of the fees of
the state university students by N10,000; thereby bringing to an end the
intractable agitation by students for tuition slashing. Recall that tuition was
increased by ex-Governor Elechi, a development that led to protests by the
students.
11.
13th Month Salary
The
governor gave Ebonyians a surprise Christmas package by not only approving and
paying extra one month salary bonus, otherwise called 13th month to workers
under the state employment in the spirit of Christmas celebration, but has paid
and distributed bags of rice and tubers of yam to each staff. He approved and
directed that junior workers would receive 100 per cent bonus, whereas senior
ones would be paid 50 per cent of whatever they receive monthly, boasting that
his administration was neither owing workers salaries nor pensions. He
disclosed his administration’s plan to begin immediate payment of gratuity
arrears owed by both local and state governments since 1993, amounting to N8
billion.
The
governor, who expressed dismay that civil servants found it difficult to pay
their retired colleagues their pensions but would want to be paid when they
retired, noted that he would begin payment of gratuities this December, with
the families of retirees who had already died. He said: “We are not owing
anybody pension in Ebonyi State. Gratuity is owed since 1993, and gratuity for
both local and state governments is over N8 billion, but the funny thing is
that when you seat as a civil servant, you refuse to pay others their
gratuities, and when you now leave, you start insisting, we should pay.”
HEALTH
SECTOR
The
following was achieved under the Heath Sector
Baseline
Survey of Health Facilities
The
Ministry of Health, in its quest to ensure that every Ebonyian is captured in
the health plan, conducted a baseline survey of all health facilities in the
state. This is to enable us know what is on ground and discover the gaps so as
to determine the interventions needed. This has greatly assisted the ministry
in its activities all over the state, as it serves as a road-map in achieving a
laudable healthcare system.
Medical
Outreach
One
of the most recent achievements of this administration is the medical outreach,
called Akubara-oha Free Medical Outreach, conducted at Ezzeama in Ezza South
LGA and Agugwu-Uburu in Ohaozara LGA. The results of the exercises are quite
successful. Over 2,000 medical cases were seen: 98 surgeries, 26 tooth
extractions, and 262 eye glasses issued to eye patients. Most of our people who
because of economic situation could not access medical care were treated free
of charge. The joy of these people knew no bounds as they prayed for God’s
guidance and long life for the governor. His Excellency, having seen the
success of these exercises and its attendant benefits, gave the ministry the
mandate to conduct such free medical outreach in all the 24 constituencies of
Ebonyi. The ministry is already concluding arrangements to kick-start the
exercise. The whole essence is to ensure that the poorest of the poor get
medical care of all ailments, and to reduce their disease burden and,
ultimately, prevent untimely deaths among the rural people.
Incinerators
The
ministry, under this administration, attracted 2No modern giant incinerators
from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which is used for the
management of medical waste. Such medical wastes had posed treats and
constituted public health hazards in the past in Ebonyi State, as what we have
been using is local crude methods of medical waste disposal. The ministry has
completed the construction of the concrete base platform for the installation
of these incinerators. One of the incinerators is located in Onicha General
Hospital, and the other one at Ezzamgbo General Hospital, and they will service
the whole of the state and beyond.
Other
Feats
Construction
of Chest Clinic at Mile 4 Hospital, upgrading of general hospitals, purchase of
medical equipment to FETHA, proper immunisation of our kids, integrated measles
campaign in Ebonyi State: January 28 - Feb 1, 2016, saving 3 million lives,
arresting the scourge of cholera, Eradication of the Menace of Lassa Fever,
Construction/Equipping of Virology Centre,Checking Epidemic Outbreaks,
Distribution of 1.7 Million Bed-net
The
feats are many and mentioning them in one article is truly a herculean task.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, let me state unequivocally that Governor Umahi not only deserves to
enjoy the fruits of his feats, but is also eminently qualifies to go for a
second term, come 2019, as the southern zone of Ebonyi State is entitled to two
terms, as enjoyed by the other two senatorial districts. For example both
Senator Sam Egwu of the northern district and Chief Martins Elechi from the
central district served for eight years each. It becomes imperative therefore,
that Umahi of the southern district should also enjoy two terms’ tenure, if the
law of equity, fairness and justice are to prevail in this case.
Monica Ada C. Eze is Technical
Assistant (TA) on Media to Governor Dave Nweze Umahi and can be reached via dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com
& quintrelking@gmail.com
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