Enugu LG’s stakeholders back gov’s move to APC
By Ndukaku Ihe
The leaders and stakeholders of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State have pledged full support for Governor Peter Mbah’s move to align the state with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
The declaration came during a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting held in the LGA, where key political figures emphasised unity and a shared vision for development.
According to a communique issued after the meeting, the event was marked by a unanimous endorsement of Governor Mbah’s leadership and strategic direction, described by many as a new chapter for Enugu’s political and developmental trajectory.
Addressing the gathering, the member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Dennis Agbo, praised Governor Mbah for his developmental strides, particularly in Igbo-Eze North. He highlighted infrastructure projects such as the establishment of smart schools and Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, noting that no past administration had achieved as much for the area.
“Wherever Governor Peter Mbah goes, we will follow,” Agbo declared, citing the governor’s visible commitment to grassroots development.
Enugu State Commissioner for Finance, Nath Urama, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Enugu’s engagement with the federal government has been smooth and productive under Governor Mbah’s leadership.
“The ease with which we secure federal approvals shows the level of trust and respect Enugu State enjoys today. Resources are being used transparently for the benefit of our people,” Urama said.
Council Chairman of Igbo-Eze North, Michael Uche Ogalla, emphasised that political loyalty in Enugu State now revolves around the person and performance of Governor Mbah.
“In Enugu, our party is the personality of the performing governor. Wherever he goes, we go. Even if he moves every other day, we shall follow,” Ogalla stated.
The meeting concluded with a voice vote conducted by Rt. Hon. Agbo, which received overwhelming support from attendees. The vote symbolised the LGA’s commitment to align with the centre and to support Governor Mbah’s political direction.
Also joining others in reaction to Governor Mbah’s defection to APC, former Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ifeanyi Nwoga said the movement is in the strategic interest of the entire South East region.
Nwoga, in a statement, yesterday, lauded the governor for the move, saying that it would align the state and the entire South East to the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.
He noted that the PDP, on whose platform Mbah was elected into office as governor, is withering; therefore, it does not make sense for any politician, who means well for his people to remain in the party.
He said the governor’s defection would give more impetus to his developmental strides and help Enugu State and the South East, in general, maximise benefits from the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The defection of the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, from the PDP to the APC is in the strategic interest of the South East.
“The move is strategic in many ways. For starters, it aligns the Enugu State and, by extension, the entire South East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics. Enugu is the capital of the South East and it, therefore, does not make much sense for the state to be in opposition.
“It is evident that the PDP, on whose platform the governor contested and won election in 2023, is gradually withering. Therefore, it does not make any sense for any well meaning politician to remain in the opposition party, with its uncertainty.
“No doubt, Governor Mbah has given a good account of himself in the governance of the state in the last two years. Under his leadership, Enugu has witnessed great infrastructural development.
“Therefore, the governor’s defection to the APC will give more impetus to his development strides, as the state would be properly aligned with the Federal Government, for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu.
“Besides, Mbah’s defection will help to hook the entire South East to the centre, so that the zone can reap maximum benefits from the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.”
The former commissioner added that “while the people of South East have supported the opposition party for the greater part of the last 26 years, the zone does have much to show for its alliance with the PDP, especially in terms of development.
“Consequently, there is no reason for the people of South East, especially the good people of Enugu State, to continue to support the PDP, which has not reciprocated its support in the last 26 years.”
