The severance of crisis and restoration of peace as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic prosperity of any society depends largely on the ability to recognise the diverse potentials inherent in different quarters and how to galvanize resources in unity without causing avoidable fracture or seizure. From the prism of Lailah Gifty Akita, “there is beauty and power in unity because it reflects in every sphere of human interaction”.
Obviously, the double celebration of the 63rd and 27th independence anniversary of Nigeria and Ebonyi State respectively at Ochoudo Centenary City in Abakaliki on October 1st, 2023, typified nothing but the adorable unity and peace existing amongst Ebonyi people who were amalgamated in 1996 by the then Federal Military Government of General Sani Abacha.
The aura of the first independence anniversary celebration under the 4th Executive Governor of Ebonyi state, His Excellency, Right Honourable Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has continued to raise salient headlines among erudite scholars, analysts and diplomats, market women and youths in different quarters.
As the conversation continues to dominate the public fora for good reasons, it’s now an established fact that His Excellency, Governor Nwifuru has painstakingly and resourcefully bulldozed the alleged mountains that dissected his predecessors and made the Salt of the Nation an enclave with a united front.
The royalty which the esteemed presence of their Excellencies, namely Dr Sam Ominiyi Egwu and Chief Martin Elechi in the company of their beautiful and elegant wives among other notable individuals conferred on that memorable and scintillating occasion, has left vilifiers in a damaging state of comatose. The singular act has further revealed the tranquil and loving disposition of the chief servant and strategic leader, the Solomon of the new millennium and His Excellency, Right Honourable Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Going by other visible and sought-after trademarks as well as the ability to bring the past leaders together within a very short time after assumption of office, Governor Nwifuru has again demonstrated and reiterated his political will to deliver speedily on his administration’s mantra christened the People’s Charter of Needs.
From 1999 till early this year, successive governments in the state made concrete and calculated efforts towards bridging various gaps in the critical areas of human empowerment cum attitudinal change as well as infrastructural development. With fascinating records, His Excellency the Executive Governor, Right Honourable Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has since rolled up his sleeves responding to the people according to their vulnerability and needs.
Undoubtedly, Ebonyians should only reciprocate His Excellency’s topnotch gesture by venerating and pursuing with great vigor, those attributes that can promote peace and unity in order to experience better dividends of democracy.
Objective judgement remains that Ebonyi people have also been blessed with selfless, prudent and wise leaders. This time, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the state, Right Honourable Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is here with beautifully decorated and mouthwatering full jar of honey savouring the people with heart smoothing taste.
It is expected that at this point, that every Ebonyi person should as a matter of necessity and urgency jettison any ideology that is at variance with the foundation of unity, peace and progress already established by His Excellency, the 4th Executive Governor, Right Honourable Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
A hand shake across the Niger is all that is needed now. To God be the glory!
– Hon Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha,
Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi State.