By Abubakar Yunusa
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has alleged that influential forces are conspiring to tarnish the reputation of the former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for political purposes.
The group, addressing the press in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasized Ugwuanyi’s undeniable achievements during his tenure as the governor of Enugu State.
HURIWA deplored the efforts made by ‘influential political entities’ to fabricate false scandals and launch a strategic media campaign to damage the image of the former governor.
The organization highlighted Ugwuanyi’s commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, healthcare, and education in the state, which left a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people. They commended his leadership marked by transparency, inclusiveness, and a deep dedication to citizen welfare.
HURIWA also cited several of the former governor’s accomplishments, including various development projects in Nsukka, the construction of the Opi-Nsukka Road, and the establishment of a secretariat annex at Edeoballa for state civil servants in the Enugu North senatorial zone.
Other achievements noted by HURIWA included the construction of a sports stadium at UNN, the establishment of a new University of Medical and Applied Sciences in Igboano, expansion and rehabilitation of the Ngwo-9th Mile Road (Miliken Hill), relocation of the Building Material/Electrical Parts Market near Kenyatta, and the dualization of the Emene to Nike Lake Resort Hotel road.
The group expressed concern that despite these substantial achievements, some individuals still question the extent of Ugwuanyi’s contributions to the state.
HURIWA praised Ugwuanyi’s administration for being worker-friendly, ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements to civil servants, and approving the minimum wage, promotions, and extended service years for teachers. The former governor even provided housing accommodation for civil servants in Elim Estate.
The organization dismissed the allegations against Ugwuanyi as baseless and politically motivated, driven by self-interest and fear that he may be considered for a significant political appointment by President Tinubu.
