2 YEARS IN OFFICE: EBONYIANS APPRAISE GOVERNOR UMAHI
The Popular definition of democracy is that it is government of the people, for the people by the people. Its ideals are however centered on government’s effort towards meeting the social and infrastructure needs of the citizenry. As Nigerians celebrate two years in office of the present administration, some residents of Ebonyi state commented on the level of development since Governor David Umahi’ assumed office.
What an average Nigerian requires from the government is the provision of basic infrastructure such as good road network, good drinking water, light, security and other social services. According to them the rating of every administration is measured by its ability to deliver on those facilities and create an enabling environment for the citizenry to meet their aspirations.
A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Ebonyi State University, Evangelist Joseph Agbo explained that residents of the State had witnessed tremendous development in the last two years, but expressed reservations on inadequate attention being given to Human Capital Development. A Legal Practitioner, Chief Donatus Nwodo described the on-going reconstruction of the Abakaliki – Afrikpo, Nkalagu- Ehamufu, and Owutu-Edda-Amasiri-Ugwulangwu-Okposi federal roads as well as the construction of three Flyovers on Abakaliki Axis of the Trans Sahara Highways as a solid economic foundation being laid by the State Government.
He however, called on the State Government to review its tax policies downwards and create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the State. On their parts, the Senator representing Ebonyi North, Senator Sam Egwu and a former Deputy Governor of the State, Professor ChigozieOgbu, said in spite of economic recession, the administration had been able to manage the meager resources at its disposal.
Some other residents of the State however, wondered why the State Government had concentrated on new projects, but had not touched those inherited from previous administration, such as Abakaliki International Market and the Abakaliki Trade Centre, which would have help to de-congest the city center.
AMECHI ODO