Your Excellency,
Good morning, Sir, and please accept my warm congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the creation of our dear Ebonyi State.
Providence has entrusted you with the responsibility of steering the affairs of our state at this important point in our history. Without doubt, Ebonyi has come a long way. Our state has faced myriad challenges that threatened its existence, yet the courage and leadership of those who came before us helped preserve the dream of Ebonyi.
On this historic occasion, I wish to pay tribute to all our founding fathers, all former governors of the state, and, in particular, the late General Sani Abacha, who gave approval for the creation of Ebonyi State.
Your Excellency, I have deliberately refrained from commenting frequently on issues of governance in the state because of the manner in which some of your appointees respond to honest and constructive criticism. I recall that the last time I wrote you an open letter was in 2024, during an anniversary celebration similar to this.
I became more compelled to write again following a dream I had last night. In that dream, I saw Your Excellency waiting with your entourage in a reception room to commission a particular project. Hours passed, but the project was not ready for commissioning. Eventually, you left disappointed.
While I do not claim that dreams are prophecies, the experience prompted me to reflect deeply on the state of governance in Ebonyi.
It speaks to the possibility that you are eager to demonstrate leadership, deliver projects and commission them for public use, but may not always have a team that adequately shares or translates your vision into results.
At 30, Ebonyi deserves purposeful, solid and firm leadership.
Your Excellency, you carry a significant responsibility to demonstrate that young people can provide effective leadership when given the opportunity. You also have an opportunity to strengthen the image and reputation of our state through the quality of governance delivered under your administration.
Yes, another election is approaching, but today should not be about politics. It should be a day of sober reflection—a moment to take a deliberate look at what is working, what is not working, and what must change.
I respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider a comprehensive review of your cabinet and political appointments, and to bring on board competent Ebonyians with the expertise, character and commitment required to help drive governance across the state.
Your Excellency, you may not need a soothsayer to tell you that there are areas where your administration needs stronger capacity. Across several sectors, Ebonyians are asking questions about policy direction, implementation and accountability.
The condition of some streets and public spaces in Abakaliki, our state capital, provides a visible example. The state capital should reflect the dignity, cleanliness and development aspirations of the people of Ebonyi. The maintenance of public infrastructure cannot be treated as an afterthought.
How comfortable should any government be with deteriorating public infrastructure in its capital when there are people appointed to assist in addressing the needs of the public?
Mr. Governor, there are difficult truths that must be confronted. Ebonyi has challenges that require decisive action, competent personnel and continuous evaluation of those entrusted with public responsibility. Political considerations should not prevent you from making changes where performance is inadequate.
Your Excellency, it has been reported that your administration will be inaugurating about 1,710 individuals as Executive Assistants today. I respectfully appeal that, where appropriate and legally practicable, government should consider whether some of these resources can be redirected toward structured public-service roles that will create measurable value for the state.
For example, a properly organised maintenance and environmental service structure could help improve the upkeep of Abakaliki and other urban centres while providing meaningful employment and public service opportunities for our young people.
Your Excellency, as you mount the podium today to address the people of Ebonyi, I urge you to remember that anniversaries are not merely occasions for celebration. They are also opportunities for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the future.
Posterity will remember not only the projects commissioned, but also the decisions taken when you had the opportunity to serve.
At 30, Ebonyi deserves a renewed commitment to competent governance, accountable leadership, sustainable development and the welfare of her people.
May God continue to grant Your Excellency wisdom, courage and the right people to help you steer the affairs of our dear state.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Ebonyi State.
God bless Ebonyi State.
Engr. Chinedum Elekwachi
ADC candidate, Ohanivo Federal Constituency 2027