HURIWA :Powerful forces scheming to Smear former governor Ugwuanyi’s reputation

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.

This is as the group described the former governor as fit for ‘significant political appointment’ in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu based on his achievements as governor of Enugu State.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday,its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko noted that Ugwuanyi’s accomplishments as Enugu state governor were undeniable.

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 human write group 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.

HURIWA emphasized that every Nigerian, including public figures like Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, deserves a fair and unbiased assessment of their character and conduct and should not be subjected to unjust character assassination.

The group called on the public to exercise discernment and critical thinking when confronted with sensational and unverified claims against public figures and urged those involved in the malicious campaign to engage in constructive dialogue and debate rather than undermining the reputation of an individual dedicated to public service.