WE'RE HAPPY WITH OUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR –CHIME

By NBF NEWS

•Gov. Chime
Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has said that his government was encouraged by what it has so far achieved and the responses and reactions it had received in its efforts to provide good governance for the people of the state.

Speaking at a conference on Governance and Service Delivery, the governor noted that his administration had been anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, participation and rule of law.

'I am sure that if you apply these principles you would be inclined to reach the conclusion that this administration had endeavoured to provide good governance to the people of the state.'

He said the theme of the conference was timely at this time when the nation is demanding of its leaders the entrenchment of a new and progressive culture of governance that will bring about enduring political, economic and social stability as well as ensure sustainable growth in all sectors of the economy.

Chime explained that while governance described the process of decision making and implementation, 'good governance referred to accomplishment of this task in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law.'

He urged the conference to come out with a clear blueprint or chart for the entrenchment and sustenance of good governance in all sectors and in all strata of the society. 'This country can ill-afford at this time to slide back to the days of impunity, lawlessness, in unbridled corruption and general insensitivity, lethargy and apathy on the part of the people in positions of authority.'

The governor, who declared the event open, was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Special Projects and Diaspora Matters, Dr. Jude Akubuilo. In a welcome address, the President, Association of Enugu State Resident NGO'S, Mr. Igwe Chibuike said the conference had marked a good beginning between the civil society organizations in Enugu and the state government.

He said the purpose of the conference was to brainstorm over good governance and service delivery issues in the state and also share thoughts on the challenges of governance and possible solutions to those challenges.

Chibuike said the forum also provided an opportunity to sensitize the citizenry on their responsibilities in ensuring and sustaining good governance in the state. 'This will not only help in making the state business-friendly but will also improve the quality of life and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).'