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Opinion: Gov. Ugwuanyi has Scored an Incredible Political Goal.

By Buchi Nnaji

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One of the attributes of a good leader is the ability to raise more leaders from the younger generation. Unfortunately, that quality as important as it is, is scarce among the current generation of Nigeria leaders. Some of our leaders today are best known for their obscure desire to clinch onto power until “thy kingdom come,” even when it is obvious that they have overstayed their welcome and practically have nothing else to offer.

The emergence of Hon. Uchenna Ejim as the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Chairmanship candidate for Nkanu-West LGA in the forthcoming Local Government Council election in Enugu State is one of the superlative decisions ever made by His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, through the party delegates. The joy and happiness that greeted the pronouncement of Ejim’s victory can only be attributed to a situation where the son of nobody, became somebody.

In my own judgement, permit me to say that Gov. Ugwuanyi has scored the highest political goal in his administration as demonstrated in the outcome of the just concluded PDP local government Chairmanship primary elections in Enugu State. The pragmatic and selfless leader in his uncommon wisdom, systematically handed over party tickets to many youths in various local government areas of Enugu State. This unexpected but yet calculated move of His Excellency sent a message of hope and breath of fresh air into Enugu State political atmosphere.

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A good leader carries everyone or group along, irrespective of status and background; takes time to consider the yearnings of his people and responds to their needs in the most acceptable manner. That is quality leadership.

Before now, the upcoming generations have been entertaining fear of not being sure of a promising future. They have not been adequately involved in the business of government, which obviously has contributed to most of the recent youth restiveness recorded in different parts of Nigeria today.

However, looking at the results of the just concluded PDP primary elections held in the 17 local government areas of Enugu State on the 13th of January, 2022, which clearly indicate a paradigm shift from the old to a new order, encapsulated in the mass inclusion of youths in strategic leadership positions, it is clear that Enugu State government under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has commenced the process of handing over the barton of leadership to the younger generation. This is a dream coming true for Nigeria youths. It shows that Gov. Ugwuanyi is indeed a visionary leader who knows his onions.

The decision to give power to a young man such Uchenna Ejim, who came from a humble background and has been a devoted PDP member for decades without appreciable growth-benefit, came as a pleasant shock and surprise to so many people across the state because nobody saw it coming, including the cabals who hitherto thought they’re smart and powerful and can hold Nkanu-West LGA to ransom as much as they want; in the end, they saw how foolish they are in their evil merchandise. It took the political arithmetic prowess and sagacity of the people-oriented Governor of Enugu State to break the political jinx in Nkanu-West LGA in particular, and Enugu State in general. Thank you Gburugburu!

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With this welcome development, Ugwuanyi has proved beyond reasonable doubt that his administration will leave a remarkable legacy behind, especially for the younger generation, while gloriously leaving office in 2023. The impact of the paradigm shift will also provide a political solution to youth restiveness as they (youths) now see trace of light at the end of the tunnel.

Now that His Excellency has set the ball rolling for the youths, it is advisable for everyone, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, to rally round the new breed of political leaders that are in the process of being injected into mainstream politics to ensure that they succeed in their new tasks, which is primarily to uplift the face of leadership in Enugu State by bringing fresh innovations that will better the lives of the masses.

Enugu State is truly in the hands of God.

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