Category: News

…As Enugu ranks 5th in IGR after Lagos, Rivers, FCT, and Ogun

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced plans by his administration to set up a committee to look into allegations of tax increase in the state, explaining that his administration had only widened the tax net without increasing the tax rate.

Mbah, who also explained that the surge in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, was due to the introduction of e-payment and technology by his administration to plug revenue leakages, blamed what he described as false narratives on taxation in Enugu State on beneficiaries of the old order of corruption in revenue collection in the state.

The governor stated this while fielding question during a media chat with journalists at Government House, Enugu, during the week.

Recall that Enugu State raked in N180.05 billion, up from N37 billion in 2023, to rank 5th on 2024 IGR table of the 36 states and FCT released by the National Bureau of Statistics about a fortnight ago.

Lagos state ranked 1st with N1.26 trillion, Rivers State placed second with 317.3 billion, FCT ranked 3rd with N282.3 billion, while Ogun State ranked 4th with N194.9 billion.

Diffusing the allegation of high tax burdens by the opposition in the state, Mbah said, “The Taxation thing that you hear is actually misplaced. But I have also committed to setting up a committee that will include the market unions, the civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and other relevant groups, so that they can do a review of what is happening in our tax space and come up with a report.

“My belief is that based on what we have done so, we have not increased the tax rate. In fact, even under the laws, we are not able to do that. This is because the issue of personal income tax or company income tax is a matter that is legislated by the National Assembly. That is to say that those rates can only be adjusted by laws made by the National Assembly. Those numbers there were not legislated by the Enugu State House of Assembly but by the federal legislature.

“The only thing we did, which is something we believe that is now being politicised, is that we displaced some entrenched interests because we have plugged the leakages we had in the system before now. Payments are now made directly to the state coffers. We now have e-payments. The era of people going to market with paper and harassing people like drivers and Keke to collect cash payments from them is gone.

“Once you initiate programmes and policies like this, you will be displacing some entrenched interests and be sure to know that they will fight back. They won’t just go down without fighting.

“This falsehood is also narrated in such a way that if you have not done your own independent investigation, you will not know. You may be tempted to agree that the narrative is true.

“But that notwithstanding, as a leader, we must listen, I believe that we need to probe further to know perhaps there are somethings we are not aware of. This is why I said let us constitute the committee and it will be done pretty soon.”

The member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Pharm. Nnolim Nnaji, has donated vital medical equipments to the General Hospital, Agbani, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The handover of the equipments which was done on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, through his legislative aides, were received by the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital, Dr. Elibe.

Speaking through his aides, Nnaji said the handover of the equipments were in furtherance of his sectoral interventions as the Member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and underscored his commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the constituency.

The donated items included: Hospital beds; Wheelchairs; Nebulizers; Pulse oximeters; among others.

The Chief Medical Officer of the hospital, Dr. Elibe, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation, noting that the donation, the first of it type, will “help in no small measure” to improve service delivery and patient care in the area.

Nnaji, who has continued to make interventions throughout both local governments of Nkanu East and Nkanu West, that make up his constituency, promised to continue to do more.

Recall that the legislator, had in November 2024, attracted a One billion, five hundred thousand naira project for the upgrade and total facelift of the Ozalla High School in Nkanu West.

The Labour Party’s community-to-community campaign train, led by presidential candidate Peter Obi, governorship hopeful Dr. George Moghalu, his running mate Hon. Ifeoma Okaro, and Awka North and South lawmaker Prof. Oby Orogbu, took its message of renewal to Achalla, Okpuno, Nibo, Amawbia, and Ifite-Awka.

They were warmly received with cheers and royal blessings by traditional rulers, including HRM Igwe Ositadinma Nwokedi of Achalla and HRH Eze Ugonwanne, Dr. Sir M.C. Ngene (JP), the Ezeike IV of Nibo.

Moghalu decried the poor state of infrastructure in Awka North, describing it as “a scandal and a product of failed leadership.” He said, “Awka North receives over ₦300 million monthly, yet there’s nothing to show for it. Don’t sell your future for peanuts—reject bad leadership and vote for the Labour Party.”

Prof. Orogbu, who has attracted several constituency projects to the area—including classroom reconstruction, health centre renovation, and solar-powered streetlights—also lamented government neglect. “They’ll soon return to ask for your votes. What have they done for Achalla? Our people deserve better, and that’s what the Labour Party represents,” she said.

The team later joined her to commission the renovated Community Primary School, Okpuno. Large crowds thronged the campaign stops in Mbaukwu, Nibo, Amawbia, and Ifite, pledging support for the Labour Party.

Obi, addressing supporters, emphasized that true leadership must be driven by humility, compassion, and service. He hailed Moghalu’s competence and integrity, expressing confidence in his capacity to “restore purposeful governance in Anambra.”

“The Labour Party stands for hope, accountability, and people-centered governance that delivers real development,” Obi said.

Peter Obi, Moghalu Take Labour Party Campaign to Awka Communities as Orogbu Commissions School, Health Projects

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, yesterday officially declared for the APC.

In his address to Ndi Enugu, the governor stressed that the decision was taken in the best interest of the people, describing it as “a conscious step towards fairness, partnership, and accelerated growth for our people.”

Why Enugu has left the PDP

Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the PDP for providing a platform over the years, noting however that the loyalty of the South East to the party had not been reciprocated.

He regretted that despite nearly three decades of committed support, the region’s voice was consistently ignored in critical national decisions.

According to him, the PDP no longer represented a viable vehicle for advancing the aspirations of Enugu and the South East.

“Leadership demands tough choices,” he said, “and there comes a time when we must make bold decisions to secure the future and protect the interests of our people.”

Why Enugu is moving to APC

Governor Mbah explained that joining the APC was not about personal ambition but about ensuring Enugu’s progress and aligning the state’s destiny with the centre of national power.

He identified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a partner in purpose – bold enough to make tough reforms, visionary enough to drive inclusive growth, and deeply committed to the South East.”

He highlighted shared convictions with President Tinubu, including disruptive reforms in the economy, decentralised development, and the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme designed to uplift communities nationwide.

He stressed that the move is about fairness, respect, and integrity, and that the APC offers Enugu the partnership it deserves to deliver more to the people.

Assurance to Ndi Enugu

Governor Mbah reassured Ndi Enugu that the decision would not derail progress at home, stating:

“Our Igbo identity does not change, our destiny does not change. What changes is that our vision now has stronger reinforcement at the federal level. The projects you see today will not stall – they will be completed, and our momentum will only grow stronger. This move is, above all, about the people of Enugu and their future.”

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Diri, who announced this on Wednesday at the exco chamber in the Bayelsa State Government House, did not state the political party that he will be moving to.

His decision was backed by 23 members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, who also announced their exit from the party.

Diri’s defection came 24 hours after his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development, which caught many by surprise, was made public by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“Gov. Douye Diri resigns from PDP alongside 23 members of the House of Assembly”, Alabrah posted.

…seeks their prayers, support

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Anambra State, Dr. George Moghalu, on Sunday addressed members of the Diocesan Council of Knights of the Anglican Communion during their 2025 Annual Retreat held at St. Andrew’s DCC, Nkwo Nnewi.

Speaking on the theme, “Earnestly Contend for the Faith,” Dr. Moghalu emphasized the need for moral rebirth and faith-based leadership in governance. He appealed to the Knights to continue offering spiritual guidance and prayers for leaders who seek to serve with integrity, noting that his ambition is driven by a sincere desire to restore dignity, order, and justice in Anambra State.

Unveiling his vision for a compassionate and people-centered administration, Dr. Moghalu promised to reintroduce the State Scholarship Board to assist intelligent but indigent students, while ensuring free and compulsory education from nursery to secondary school. He further pledged that citizens aged 65 years and above will enjoy free medical care, and those from 70 years and above will receive monthly welfare allowances as part of his commitment to the welfare and dignity of the elderly.

The Labour Party flag bearer lamented the poor quality of roads being constructed across the state, noting that many fail to last even one rainy season. He assured that under his leadership, every road project will meet the highest standards of durability and accountability, with strict monitoring to ensure value for public funds.

Dr. Moghalu also decried the worsening insecurity and multiple taxation burdening traders and small businesses, vowing that within one hour of his swearing-in, the illegal “Aka Odo” revenue collectors will be disbanded, and all exploitative levies abolished to create a safer and more business-friendly environment.

The retreat climaxed with a solemn prayer session led by Ven. Dr. Chiadikobi Emmanuel, who prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and protection for Dr. Moghalu as he continues his mission to serve the people of Anambra with humility, faith, and vision.

…As Udenta, Sajoh set to deliver powerful sessions

Following the announcement of the date and details for the 5th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards scheduled to hold in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, organisers of the event, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, have unveiled the topic to be discussed.

Disclosing this in a statement issued in Abuja, a member of the Local Organising Committee, Frank Ufondu, noted that topics chosen for discussion were usually timely, relating to the prevailing theme in the country.

He revealed this year’s topic as “Politics of Convergence & Collisions; Navigating Power Struggle in Shaping Democracy.”

On the idea behind the topic, he emphasized that in 2013, the All Progressives Congress was born, chanting the idea of ‘Change’ to oust the then-ruling party from power and take over, which in 2015 they succeeded in doing.

“Fast forward to 2025, dissatisfied with the ruling All Progressives Congress, some politicians are beginning to converge and collide, replaying the cards of 2013, under the aegis of the African Democratic Congress.

“Our topic hopes to discuss this politics of convergence and collisions. It emphasizes two key aspects of coalition politics: convergence, which refers to coming together, and collisions, which highlight the inevitable ego clashes and ideological battles.

“We want to investigate the evolving journey of shaping Nigeria’s democracy through alternatives. Drawing from and referencing similar historical developments, our topic hopes to carefully connect the dots, weaving a web that will lead to where Nigeria presently is. It sets to question the sincerity of the promised utopia,” said Ufondu.

He said the lecture will “cite how the struggle for power and its attendant offering of political alternatives ought to co-exist with and translate into positively shaping our democracy.”

Recall that Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, Founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) & Director General of the African Writers Institute, Abuja, and Dr. Ahmad Sajoh, Former Commissioner for Information, Adamawa State & Executive Director, FutureNow Initiative, will both speak at the lecture.

The event will begin with a red carpet at 10:30 AM, followed by the main session at 11:30 AM, and will be streamed live across social media platforms.

Event partners include Human Development Center, Horizontal City Property Developers, LEAD Network Africa, One Stewart Ventures, and AnchorNews Media and Otu Oka Iwu.

Seat reservations can be made here.

Today,the entire political family of the Ebeano Volunteer Movement for Peter Mbah rise in celebration of a man whose name has become synonymous with loyalty, vision, and service, Hon. Chidera Odo, the distinguished Chairman of the Ebeano Volunteer Movement for Peter Mbah.

Hon. Odo’s story is one that embodies the very essence of purpose-driven leadership. As a young and determined political figure, his courage,dedication and discipline, has built not only influence but also trust which is a rare commodity in politics of today.

When history remembers the 2023 general elections in Enugu State, it will surely not be complete without recognizing the pivotal role played by the Ebeano Volunteer Movement, a formidable political structure that stood as a people powered force behind Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s governorship campaign. At the helm of that movement was Hon. Chidera Odo, a strategist with foresight, a unifier with wisdom, and a field general whose presence galvanized hope across communities.

Under his leadership, the Ebeano Volunteer Movement did not only campaign for victory; it campaigned for peace, unity, and transformation. Through countless mobilization drives, town hall meetings, youth engagement sessions, and media outreaches, Hon. Odo and his team carried the Mbah message of “Tomorrow is Here” to every ward, village, and street. His coordination reflected not only organizational intelligence but a deep understanding of the political terrain and the heart of the people.

Hon. Odo’s impact extends far beyond politics. As a businessman and entrepreneur, he continues to drive excellence through his ventures, creating jobs, empowering youths.

Today, as friends, colleagues, associates, and well wishers join in celebrating his birthday, we reflect not only on the years he has lived but on the value he has added to society. His leadership within the Ebeano Volunteer Movement has proven that with passion and purpose, political mobilization can become a movement of hope, one that truly represents the people’s voice.

The journey of Hon. Chidera Odo is one of growth, grace, and greatness. He is not just a political actor, he is a builder of men, a cultivator of trust, and a torchbearer of progress. His life reminds us that true leadership is about selfless service and steadfast loyalty to the ideals of a better tomorrow.

As he celebrates another year of impactful existence, we wish him divine health, more wisdom, and unending success in his pursuit of public good. May his days ahead be filled with more opportunities to touch lives, uplift communities, and shape destinies.

Happy Birthday, Hon. Chidera Odo,
A man of vision, a servant of the people, and a pillar of the Ebeano family.

Courtesy of Ebeano Volunteer Movement for Peter Mbah