By Mr Emmanuel Chike Onwe
When Ebonyi state was created 14 years ago, there were a lot of cynicisms about the potential of the state. True, it had produced many notable names, which made some impact on the polity of the country. But doubts lingered on the ability of the new state to grapple with and overcome the vagaries of statehood. Hardly had the state been created than critics started a campaign of non-viability against it. The fact that it took the struggle for its creation for thirty nine years, however, underscores a peoples’ belief in themselves and a determination to come out of the marginalisation they were suffering in the states they then belonged to.
True, the area now called Ebonyi state has known abject neglect and degradation by successive governments in the states they had belonged to. There were virtually no tarred roads, no electricity, disease free water and visible government appointees in the area.
The deprivations were palpable to frustrating dimensions but the people persevered. Today, however, the story has changed. The state has metamorphosed into a cosmopolitan environment that challenges most of the older states in infrastructure, manpower, ambience and a huge capacity contribution to the development of the nation. It has become a reference point in peaceful coexistence, enterprise, development and purposeful leadership. The Ebonyi man is humble, trustworthy, resilient, dependable and very honest. He is conscientious, prudent and peace loving. He is tolerant of divergent and dissenting opinions and generally believes in ‘live and let live’. Little wonder that the state is home to most Nigerians from different parts of the country irrespective of tribe and religion. These two virtues will be celebrated today as Governor; Martin Nwancho Elechi leads the entire state to thank President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for appointing her sons and daughters into prominent government positions. Already, the state is agog with a festive air as all roads lead to the Township stadium Abakaliki where a Civic reception will hold in their honour. These appointees include Professor Christian Onyebuchi Otu Chukwu, the Honourable Minister of Health, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim GCON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta of the Supreme Court, Justice Obande Ogbuinya of the Court of Appeal, Justice Uche Onyemenam of the Court of Appeal, Mr Elias Mbam, Chairman Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Barrister Okeagu Ogadah, Member, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Chief Lawrence Nwuruku, National Commissioner, Independent Electoral Commission and Prof. Selina Omagha Oko, Resident Electoral Commissioner of Imo state. For Governor Martin Elechi, who led the thirty nine year struggle for the state creation, it is a celebration of victory. For Ebonyians, it is gratitude time as they thank a benefactor who has found their sons and daughters worthy of trust. And for the honourees, it is an acknowledgement by their brothers and sisters that they have done well indeed. Thus the civic reception today is an affirmative action of a grateful people to the President and a call to serve the country well as a true Ebonyi son and daughter by the appointees. It is a call for dedication to duty even as the state awaits other goodies from the President.
The people of Ebonyi state are grateful and appreciative to the president. They are optimistic that the future holds even greater promises. Our vibrant lawmakers at both the national and state levels, workers, market women, our teeming farmers, the rural dwellers and indeed all Ebonyians are all upbeat and will treat all our friends and guests to the traditional Ebonyi hospitality. Our dancers, who are famed for enthralling world leaders are on hand and will treat you to rhythms only they can produce.
Source: FRCN daily commentary
No comments:
Post a Comment