Gov. Ugwuanyi a great leader, close to the people – Dogara

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara has extolled the leadership virtues of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

He described Ugwuanyi as “an established leader” who is being celebrated widely because of his closeness to the people and effective delivery of dividends of democracy in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.
Speaker Dogara, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), added that Gov. Ugwuanyi is “a very nice man to a fault”, who “wants to please everybody”, saying that he has “done exceptionally well” in office that members of the National Assembly in particular and the people of Enugu State “are exceedingly proud of what you have achieved”.

The speaker, who spoke during the grand reception for Gov. Ugwuanyi by members of the Enugu State National Assembly Caucus, said he was delighted at the governor’s popularity and humility “when I went to Enugu and I saw market women, I saw so many indigenes of that state coming to the Government House, dancing and singing”.
He disclosed that the people he saw were not rented crowds but those who were speaking from the bottom of their hearts, applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for “investing in people”.
According to him, “Gov. Ugwuanyi is such a person that you will never meet in mansions when you go to Enugu. You will meet him among his people and that is where his heart is. And that is where the heart of a leader should be”.

Speaking on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s unprecedented achievements in spite of the state’s lean resources, Speaker Dogara while recalling the governor’s firm belief in the miracle of “five loaves and two fish” stated that “our brother (Ugwuanyi) who is a true leader is performing beyond expectation with the very little resources that he has”.
“Your Excellency, now that you have done exceptionally well, all the Enugu people are happy and they have decided to endorse you for a second term. When the people of Enugu State say that we are celebrating you, we are appreciating you; it means they are applying for more. So I wish you well. I know that you will continue to distinguish yourself creditably and define leadership in Enugu State”, the Speaker added.
In his remark, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Bala Na’allah, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, also eulogized Gov. Ugwuanyi for his outstanding leadership qualities, saying that he “is one of the most decent and honest person I have worked closely with”.
He said: “I was with him in the Committee on Marine Transport and then he was with me when I chaired the Committee on Judiciary in the House of Representatives and then we developed a concept on how to deliver on our responsibilities transparently and efficiently.
“So I am not surprised when I hear the positive comments being showered on him in his duty as Governor of Enugu State. It is very rare and lucky to have someone like Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi superintending over the affairs of men more especially in this present day Nigeria.
“So, it is not for nothing that God gave you Ugwuanyi. Your responsibility is to ensure that you continue to sustain the 100 percent support that you have been giving him”, Senator Na’allah noted.
At the event, the Enugu NASS Caucus had unanimously endorsed Gov. Ugwuanyi for a second term in office for his effective leadership and entrenchment of peace and good governance in the state.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu on behalf of all the federal lawmakers from Enugu State, said the endorsement was predicated on the governor’s development strides and his leadership style characterized by justice, equity, and peace.
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi, who appreciated the Enugu caucus of the National Assembly for their show of love and support, noted that the prevailing peace and cooperation between the federal lawmakers and his administration have resulted in numerous constituency projects and Federal Government interventions in the State.
He assured that the years of dichotomy now belonged to the past.
“We have become one people united by the determination to develop our State and we will continue to remain one family.
“With your support and prayers, I will continue to lead an Enugu State where peace, justice, and equitable development remain the watchword.
“We will continue to work together to build that same united, prosperous, and great Enugu State envisioned by our fathers”, he added.