OUR TIME BECKONS: OPEN LETTER TO RT. HON IFEANYI UGWUANYI

Please accept our warmest congratulations on being selected as the PDP gubernatorial standard-bearer for Enugu State. It's such a privilege that someone from our zone is selected for the governorship position under the Peoples Democratic Party for the first time. We are solidly behind you in promoting your course and that of the state and organising activities for the campaign as we pray and hope that your selection and eventual election will bring more development to the good people of Enugu State.

We are sure that you would do what you are promising in your campaign and the people of Enugu State have lots of hope that you would build on Governor Chime's achievements to provide the best leadership they have ever had. Your selection itself shows how much the PDP leadership loves and trusts you. You worked very hard for this and they appreciated it.

The outgoing governor has made significant strides in improving the infrastructure and the life of the ordinary citizen in Enugu State. Progress in Enugu city has gained international recognition by being the only one of three African cities invited in 2014 to join the global top 100 Resilient Cities Network (100RC) pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation in New York alongside London, Chicago, Paris and other renowned cities. We are sure that you will look for your laurels in order to take our beloved state to greater heights and ensure that more cities and communities in Enugu State attain similar status.

To all citizens of Enugu State and Nsukka in particular, this is our time to consolidate the efforts of our past leaders. Let us join hands with Gburugburu to make 2015 a reality. Do something, however small, use social media, talk to family members, especially our youths and women about the importance of voting and most crucially, ensure that you use your vote wisely. We have come so close and must continue to work hard until 28th February 2015, the Election Day and beyond.

Sir, we wish you a successful campaign and subsequent tenure in office and hope that your hard work and dedication to Enugu State will continue to be an inspiration to all, and one that brings you higher responsibilities, positions and positive outcomes in your political career. Finally, we encourage you to continue to seek one ultimate goal in all you do, – the summum bonum, which is God himself. You deserve your splendid success.

***Ambrose Nwodoh, Chair, The Global Forum of Nsukka Professionals in Diaspora and the Outreach and Communications Director African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network, United Kingdom. [email protected]