The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Peter Mbah

  • Nkanu West Council Chairman Receives NDE Officials, Leads Enrollment Drive For Vocational, Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition

    Nkanu West Council Chairman Receives NDE Officials, Leads Enrollment Drive For Vocational, Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition

    The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has called on the people of Nkanu West to enroll as beneficiaries in the vocational and entrepreneurial skills program of the National Directorate of Employment.

    Ogbodo made the call when he received the officials of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, led by the Enugu State Coordinator, Mr. Oluka Godwin, during a courtesy visit to him at the council headquarters.

    Speaking during the courtesy visit, the State Coordinator, Oluka Godwin, stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the Executive Chairman of the ongoing registration exercise for individuals interested in acquiring vocational and entrepreneurial skills under the agency’s training programmes.

    Oluka explained that the registration was targeted at locals within the Nkanu East and Nkanu West Federal Constituency who were willing to be trained in various skill areas as part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among citizens.

    He stated that in the past, similar interventions had been carried out and the participants resettled after the training.

    Noting that the challenge of unemployment could only be solved through a partnership among the Federal, State and Local governments, Oluka sought the support and participation of the local government to ensure its success.

    Responding, the Council Chairman welcomed the NDE team and assured them of the council’s support in ensuring a smooth and successful registration and training process.

    He also commended the initiative as a step in the right direction toward youth empowerment and economic development in the local government, noting that it was in line with the target of the Dr. Peter Mbah led administration of Enugu State, to achieve a zero poverty headcount, a target he stressed that his local government administration had already keyed into.

    Ogbodo also recalled other human capacity interventions which had been undertaken by his administration since he assumed office, reminding that the latest was a capacity hands-on training involving a collaboration with Potters Wheel and the Enugu State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

    Those present during the visit were the Local Government Secretary, Prince Barr. Onochie Igwesi and an Aide to Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji (Member Representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency), Mike Udo.

    The registration exercise is scheduled as follows:

    DAY 1:Thursday, August 7, 2025

    Wards: Akegbe Ugwu 1, Akegbe Ugwu 2, Agbani, Akpugo 2, Amurri, Umueze and Ozalla.

    DAY 2: Friday, August 8, 2025

    Wards: Obuoffia, Akpugo 1, Akpugo 3, Akpugo 4, Akpugo 5, Amodu and Obe.

    Venue: Nkanu West Local Government Headquarters

    Time: 9:00 AM Daily

     

  • Keyamo Inaugurates Enugu Air, Says Mbah Incredible, Will be Hard to Defeat

    Keyamo Inaugurates Enugu Air, Says Mbah Incredible, Will be Hard to Defeat

    Mbah: It’s a triumph of vision, beginning of an aviation hub

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, on Monday, inaugurated Enugu Air, a state-owned commercial airline established by the Governor Peter Mbah Administration with three Embraer airplanes for a start.

    Recalling Mbah’s persistence and energy in bringing Enugu Air to reality, Keyamo described him as “an incredible, performing governor”, noting that it would be difficult to defeat him in 2027, given the level of work he had done in just two years.

    This was even as governor Mbah described the feat as a triumph of vision, and the beginning of Enugu’s journey to becoming a major aviation hub.

    “Governor Peter Mbah was the first governor that visited me immediately I was sworn in as a Minister. I said this man will not even allow me to settle down first. The governor was relentless, persistent and pushing to the extent that I asked, this private sector experience you are bringing into Enugu, do you want Enugu to explode?

    “It was incredible. He was not even waiting for us to come to him. Dr. Peter Mbah was coming to Abuja almost every week to press the button to make sure that a couple of things happen and this (launch of Enugu Air) is just one of them,” he said.

    He commended the state’s choice of XEJet as partner and operator of Enugu Air, describing XEJet as a highly competent and 100 per cent Nigeria-owned key player in the nation’s and Africa’s aviation industry.

    “XEJet is not only supporting Enugu Air, it is running the Sierra Leonean National Airline. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about,” he stated.

    The minister dismissed the misgivings over federal government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, and lauded Mbah’s strenuous effort towards to ensure the imminent completion and operationalisation of the airport.

    “He also came back to us and said, ‘look, I want to attract private sector investment into Enugu Airport. I will not wait for beaurocracy to run this airport for the good of Enugu people. The pace of development is too slow.’

    “I said, ‘Your Excellency, just finish the Enugu Air first.’ He said no. As I speak to you, in the next few months, and few years, Enugu Airport will not be what you see here today. Private sector is coming into Enugu Airport, driven by the governor.

    “We are running the airport at a loss because we don’t have the drive of the private sector. But Enugu will be a bigger international hub now and we are going to approve regional operations from here to African States. Bring your letter tomorrow we will approve it,” Keyamo stated.

    He said that despite being of a different political party from the governor, he could not hide the fact that the governor had performed and would be difficult to defeat in any election.

    “Dr. Peter Mbah, you are a PDP, but we are afraid of you. The way you are going, we don’t know what will happen. We don’t know how to draw a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning.

    “It is an incredible vision you have here. Mr. President has said it himself. I am only reflecting what the president said.

    “Beyond party lines, we should not be afraid to say it. You have a progressive spirit and you have done well for Enugu State. You are one of the best performing governors,” he said.

    He urged the governor and the CEO of Enugu Air to ensure that the airline was run professionally like a business, while also urging the people of Enugu State to patronise their own aircraft.

    Speaking, Governor Mbah described the launch of Enugu Air as “a triumph of vision, a testament to Nigeria’s immense aviation potential and economic renaissance.”

    He explained that Enugu Air would expand beyong the present routes to various other Nigerian cities and beyond.

    “We are starting off with three Embraer aircraft – efficient elegant birds made for our terrain. Our routes begin with a powerful golden triangle: Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. From there, we stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.

    “But we are not stopping there. In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah said.

    He said that Enugu Air was established to create jobs and career paths for the young people; a faster and more reliable access to markets, clients, and capita by business people; a simpler and more dignified access to home for the diaspora, and a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity for investors interested in Enugu.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu, Keyamo, and various agencies under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Fidelity Bank, among others, for their great support towards the realisation of the state carrier.

    Earlier, Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, assured that Enugu Air would live up to its dream.

    The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and the CEO of XEJet, Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, described Mbah as a visionary and courageous leader and assured the state of their continued partnership to actualise his dreams for the state.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of Enugu people and was graced by many dignitaries, including the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu.

  • PDP Problems Require Legal and Not Political Solution

    PDP Problems Require Legal and Not Political Solution

    By Godswill Eketabubu

    The above caption appears strange given the well advertised succession of political problems that have afflicted the PDP since 2015; problems that became exacerbated during the 2023 presidential election cycle. Yet, as grave as these political maladies appear, they currently pale into relative insignificance in relation to the complex legal challenge the party is facing. My theory of the case is thus very simple: tackle and resolve this knotty legal challenge and the party’s political pathologies will begin to disappear rapidly but ignore it, throw it under the bus or attend to it half heartedly and the envisaged political solution canvassed for will only bring temporary relief.

    PDP’s 2023 Political ‘Wahala’

    The enormity of the crippling political crises that the PDP faced during the 2023 presidential election season are very well known. From the party’s ambiguous decision over the zoning of the presidential ticket, the refusal of Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, then National Chairman of the party to resign and the open rebellion mounted by the Nyesom Wike led G-5 Governors, the party’s fate and fortune was quickly sealed. Its perennial candidate, Atiku Abubakar, lost the presidential election, Wike landed the top job as President Bola Tinubu’s minister of the FCT, and a vicious political war was levied at the heart of the party’s functioning as a coherent political apparatus. Those angry about the party’s behaviour in 2023 were then resolved to get their pound of flesh and to achieve this, the party must be taught a lesson and made to suffer so much so that it would have broken into many pieces before 2027- thus paving the way for President Tinubu’s leisurely re-entry into office.

    At this stage the driving force in the party’s persistent crises was political contestation – who will control the party’s institutional machinery, determine its direction and to what use it will be put to. There are three forces engaged in this political rofo-rofo: those who insist that the party must remain an autonomous political entity, free from external control so that it can wage and possibly win the political war of 2027; those who want the party to be tied to the apron strings of President Tinubu and the ruling APC; and those who neither want the party to be strong, firm and united because “they have no portion in it again” nor want Tinubu to have anything to do with it. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Governor of Bauchi state and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Sen. Bala Mohammed best exemplifies the first tendency. He has of late been joined in that space by the Ag. National Chairman of the party Amb. Illiya Damagun whose loyalty to the party was initially perceived to be questionable.

    PDP Lands Itself in a Legal Quagmire

    The noise over these political challenges was so loud and heavy that scant attention was paid to the legal challenge that sneaked into the party’s core: what has now become the epic battle over the National Secretary position. Why this struggle is existential to the party is not merely the perception of institutional disorder but that unless it is resolved the future of the party will be in grave danger. The matter is fairly straightforward. There are three claimants to that throne- the elected National Secretary, Sen. SamDaddy Anyanwu; Comrade Ude Okoye who the South East Caucus of the party nominated to takeover the position when Sen. Anyanwu contested for the Governorship of Imo state; and Setonji Kosheodo, the Deputy National Secretary who emerged as the Ag. National Secretary to resolve the fight between two brothers.

    Any member or leader of the party who fails to recognize the centrality of this legal tussle to the future survival of the party is either being mischievous or is downright clueless and politically idiotic. If this tussle is resolved speedily, the party will be able to hold a valid and legally sound NEC, ratify the appointment of valid and legally tenable convention and zoning of elective positions committees, hold a valid and legally sound National Convention where it will elect a new NWC, and thereafter in 2026 hold presidential primaries that will produce its Presidential Candidate for the 2027 general elections. If the party does the wrong thing with regard to the National Secretary position, retain the wrong person and proceed to unleash the processes I enumerated above thereof, the fate that befell APC in Zamfara state in 2019 will befall it. This will not only be with regard to all PDP candidates in off season elections but indeed all its governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections in 2027. Period.

    INEC Holds the Ace in Resolving PDP’s Legal Problem

    There is a loud noise out there that it is unbecoming of the party to call upon INEC to help resolve its problems, that INEC has no business interfering in its affairs or summoning its leaders to a meeting, that the June 30th NEC meeting is sacrosanct and must hold and that Sen. SamDaddy Anyanwu can never return as its National Secretary. While it may be necessary to let off steam and hold onto this kind of outlandish immature political reasoning approaching and tackling the reality on ground must be done devoid of this kind of emotion and sentiment. Only by such a deliberate, rational and logical mode of reasoning and acting will the party come out this mess and solve its problem.

    In Nigerian Constitutional democracy and with regard to multiparty political practices, INEC is the Alpha and Omega. As awful as this sounds, it is the truth. As a regulator INEC has powers that few people comprehend. INEC’s legal team is deep and formidable because of the nature of its work and the legal challenges it faces on a daily basis. I will rather go with INEC’s interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling on the question of who the National Secretary of the party is than that of 100 SANs combined! On this matter INEC has spoken and as regrettable and odious as it may sound to many people, this stance is FINAL. If the PDP does otherwise, trust me, it will be the end of the party, not today but after the 2027 elections – especially if it succeeds in dethroning President Bola Tinubu.

    What is this INEC position? Simply put and devoid of sentiment it is this: that the 30th June NEC meeting was illegally convened and thus cannot hold; that the National Secretary ought to have co-singed the notice with the Ag. National Chairman; that Sen. Anyanwu remains the party’s National Secretary till its next elective convention; and that anything to the contrary will spell legal doom for the party down the road. This picture is stark and clear whether INEC has said so directly or not. A visit to INEC secretariat and a perusal of its records will attest to this loud and clear.

    Gov. Bala Mohammed’s Rescue Mission

    The Governor of Bauchi state and the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum appears to have recognized this fact given his tenacity, relentless drive and immense sacrifices in hosting countless meetings of the various organs of the party in the search for solution to this problem. He appears to have recognized that Sen. Anyanwu’s moral conduct in refusing to resign when he became the party’s flag bearer in the Imo governorship election or the kind of friends he keeps are irrelevant in the task of saving the party. His embrace of Sen. Anyanwu is thus a logic of common sense and wisdom that emotions and sentiments don’t win legal arguments. The Ag. National Chairman appears to have embraced this position given his stance on the postponement of the 30th June NEC and Sen. Anyanwu’s restoration as the party’s National Secretary. Sen. Bukola Saraki, the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Gov. Bala Mohammed led PDPGF and other stakeholders appears to be working towards this sound outcome.

    My charge to all members of the party, sympathizers like myself and indeed all lovers of multiparty democracy which is under severe pressure by a frightened APC and its vauntingly ambitious Presidency is to rally round those working day and night to salvage it. If the likes of Gov. Bala Mohammed is to turn his back on the party as this point in time, one wonders what its fate will be. Rather than being vilified and called names, patriotic party faithful will gain more by chipping in their bit in the urgent task of rescuing the party from the jaws of APC sharks.

    Plea to South East Party Leaders

    My plea to the South East leaders of the party, particularly to the dynamic, high performing Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu state and Sen. Adolphus Wabara who is the Chairman of the party’s BOT, as a neighbour from the South South and a long time PDP sympathizer, is to calm down, rise above your righteous anger over Sen. Anyanwu’s apparent betrayal of trust and unethical conduct and allow peace to reign. You cannot destroy that which you created. You cannot win this case in the eyes of INEC and the eyes of INEC is ultimately the eyes of the law in this regard. This may sound harsh and defeatist but it is the truth. Trust me. Unless you have some other reason why you want to leave the party which you formed that will be fine. It cannot be because of Sen. Anyanwu, whose tenure will lapse in November of this year.

    What will it profit you to ruin it all because you cannot stomach your anger for three or four months and demand that the party re-zones the position to the South East at the next convention so that you can finally get your person in for four years.

    The South East leaders of the PDP has everything to gain by working with the likes of Ag. Chairman Damagun and Gov. Bala Mohammed to put to rest, once and for all, the vexatious issue of the National Secretary, abandon the delusion of a NEC meeting on 30th June 2025 and see that gathering as an Expanded National Caucus during which the party can resolve the date of the next NEC and the upcoming National Convention. To do otherwise is to play into the hands of the enemies of the party and partake in its ultimate ruination.

    Dr. Eketabubu wrote from Port Harcourt Rivers state

  • JUST-IN: Gov. Mbah Grants Clemency to 11 Prisons Inmates

    JUST-IN: Gov. Mbah Grants Clemency to 11 Prisons Inmates

    …Inaugurates Social Homes Board 

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his government’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable in the state.

    The Board, which has the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, as the Chairman, and Prof. Christian Anieke, a Reverend Father, as the co-Chairman, equally has Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as the Vice Chairman, while the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih represents the Ministry.

    Other members of the Board are Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, while Barr. Uzoama Okeji is the Executive Secretary of the Board.

    Inaugurating the Board at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah said, “Recall that even when we expressed a huge growth projection, we immediately added that we were going to also eradicate poverty, which means that we are always interested in our common humanity. We know that as a people, we are only as good as our weakest link.

    “So, we cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or behind. What we have pledged is an inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic growth and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those very vulnerable ones in our society. That is why I am so excited that we have the sort of resources, a pool of people with great reputation, experience, and work ethics to serve on this Board.”

    The governor assured that the government would make available to them all that is needed to turn the state’s social protection homes around.

    “We are committed to making sure that we provide you with all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social homes live in comfort and dignity,” emphasised.

    Also speaking, the wife of the governor, enjoined members of the new Board to hit the ground running, ensuring transparency in the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities.

    “I urge you all to be diligent, fair and transparent in discharging your duties. Discharge those duties in compliance with the law and take good care of our children,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, Governor Mbah has also granted clemency to eleven inmates of Correctional Centres in Enugu State, a step towards decongesting the correctional facilities and giving the beneficiaries another opportunity to live a better life as members of the society.

    The beneficiaries of the clemency as conveyed to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, and Ngene Oluebube.

    Others are Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

    The Governor’s decision was in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    The decision was also in concordance with reports of proven reform in character, ability to reintegrate with the society having possessed or learnt some productive skills, and following recommendations by the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy also draws membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable justice sector institutions.

  • Enugu LG Chairman Receives WHO Award

    Enugu LG Chairman Receives WHO Award

    The Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has received the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to healthcare development in the state.

    The representative of WHO, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu and the Southeast zonal coordinator presented the award to the chairman at the Nkanu West council headquarters on Friday, June 20, 2025.

    Igboekwu remarked that the activities of the council chairman with regards to his health friendliness, financial support and participation in all state and WHO programmes had earned him the recognition.

    He stated that WHO had been following the activities of the Executive Chairman with regards to various health programmes both at the state level and WHO health programmes. He charged the Chairman to see the award as an encouragement that will spur him to doing more for the health sector and humanity.

    Responding, Hon. John Ogbodo appreciated WHO representatives for finding him worthy of such a meritorious award. He promised to do more as his administration prioritizes health.

    The council boss of Nkanu West also used the opportunity to commend Governor Peter Mbah for creating an enabling environment for health and for the construction of an international 300-bed hospital, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centers across the state, saying that the governor has carried out several health intervention programmes.

    Other members of WHO team present at the occasion were, Dr Adaeze Ugwu WHO Enugu State Coordinator; Dr Ikechukwu Chidolue WHO Enugu State IDSR Technical Assistant and some local government functionaries.

  • Mbah Appoints New Leadership for Enugu Forest Guard

    Mbah Appoints New Leadership for Enugu Forest Guard

    The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of Colonel Dan Didiugwu (rtd) as the Chairman of the Enugu State Forest Guard, and DCP Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo, PhD (rtd) as the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard.

    According to a government issued statement signed by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, the appointment of the Chairman of the Forest Guard Board, which is subject to confirmation by the Enugu State House of Assembly, and that of the Commander of the Forest Guard, which takes effect immediately, are part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and professionalize forest and environmental security operations across Enugu State, in alignment with its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources.

    The statement revealed that the office of Commander of the Forest Guard supersedes the previously existing position of State Coordinator, which is now abolished.

    The statement noted that the Smstate government expressed confidence in the capacity and experience of both Colonel Didiugwu and DCP Akinbamilayo to reposition the Forest Guard into a highly responsive and efficient outfit.

  • Enugu: Police Nab 2 Over Eha-Amufu Attack, as Gov. Mbah Says Enugu Among Safest States in Nigeria

    …Vows no crime will go unpunished

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says Enugu remains among safest states in the country, irrespective of propaganda by peddlers of falsehood.

    Mbah said the state had put proactive measures in place and invested in capacity to solve every single crime and bring the perpetrators to book.

    This was even as the Police in Isi-Uzo made arrests over the recent attack on Eha-Amufu farm settlements that left some persons dead.

    Mbah spoke when he received in audience the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Abayomi Oladipo, at the Lion Building, Enugu, on Wednesday.

    Mbah said he was aware that his administration could not achieve the ambition to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn and position it as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism and living without security, hence his decision to invest huge resources and political will in fighting the scourge of insecurity from the outset.

    He maintained that with the enormity of security infrastructure such as the Command and Control Centre, establishment of Distress Response Squad special police unit with over 150 security vehicles, installation of AI-enabled cameras across the state for surveillance, and other resources put in place, Enugu had acquired the capacity to not only prevent crimes, but also to solve them when they occur.

    “Enugu is the most secure city in the country, unarguably, save for people, who like to magnify things, and who believe that the security we enjoy in Enugu is disturbing them.

    “So, they like to sometimes conjecture things to somehow entertain their views or opinions. What they do is to post or peddle falsehood on social media by going back to things that happened years ago to make them appear as if they are just happening. Also, things that happened elsewhere, they make it appear as if they are happening in Enugu.

    “I have seen some images and videos recently of things that never happened here, but made to look as it they happened here in Enugu State.

    “Therefore, if we discount those false narratives, those fake narratives that we hear from social media, Enugu as I mentioned, unarguably is the safest city in this country.

    “But we are not going to rest on our oars. We have to see that our security agents are alive to their responsibilities, to their duties.

    “We do not have any tolerance for insecurity, for crime in Enugu State. We are going to continue to work with the security agencies to ensure that we sustain this security we are enjoying in the state today.

    Speaking earlier, AIG Oladipo, who said he had received security briefing from the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, CP Mamman Giwa, and his Anambra State counterpart, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and rolled out modalities for synergy in fighting crime, commended Governor Mbah for the notable improvement in security of lives and property in the state.

    “I can tell you that what we have put in place is really working for us. I want to thank you for the support and your cooperation with the police and other security agencies of the state,” he stated.

    It is recalled that while there were various levels of warning against trips to 27 states by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, in its 13th June 2025 travel advisory, which was still valid as of 18th June, Enugu State was among the few states without any travel warnings whatsoever against them.

    Meanwhile, the Police in Isi-Uzo have arrested two alleged collaborators and informants, Matthew Ebeh, and a woman, who allegedly provided guide for the attack and also sold information on security movement to the militant herders.

    It was gathered that Ebeh, 26, allegedly led the suspected herders into the community. He, however, ran out of luck when one of the locals escaped, leading to his arrest.

  • How Enugu PDP is Gaining Strength Through Edeoga’s Return

    How Enugu PDP is Gaining Strength Through Edeoga’s Return

    By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor

    When the former Gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, Barr. Jonathan Chijioke Edeoga left the Labour party to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a lot were said about such move both from his supporters, close allies, political foes, opposition party leaders and their members amongst others.

    In all these postulations, analysis and questions, one crucial aspect was whether it was a right or wrong move and also whether he actually defected with anybody. There were lots of write-ups saying that he was alone and thus, does not have any political will to effect changes in the PDP. The people making these comments are neither PDP members nor leaders of the party but people who are political bats with no place to lay hands on.

    Immediately Edeoga defected from the Labour Party, he collapsed the party and exposed their weaknesses. He delivered Enugu State House of Assembly to PDP and ensured that their majority numbers increased. First, his State House of Assembly member, Hon. Eberechi Ezeh joined him together with the State House of Assembly candidates of the party in Nkanu West Local Government Area, Awgu North and South, Aninri, as well as Hon. Engr. George Ugwu from Ugwogo Nike who was the former spokesman of the LP’s gubernatorial campaign. He then went to Enugu North Senatorial Zone being his stronghold and annihilated the party with the defection of Hon. Dennis Agbo, the federal lawmaker representing Igboeze North and Udenu Federal Constituency who entered with his teaming grassroots supporters, same with his colleague, Hon. Mark Chidi Obetta, who represents Nsukka – Igboeze South Federal Constituency. He also followed that up with the defection of Hon. Emeka Mamah, Hon. Malachy Okey Onyechi, Nsukka West State Assembly member, Hon  Titus Odoh amongst others.

    Recall that prior to Edeoga’s defection, the APC was very confident of receiving the entrants of these people to an extent that the chairman of their Governors Forum, Chief Hope Uzodimma, announced that they were joining the party in a few weeks time. So, as soon as all these defections from LP to PDP started to happen, it became clearer to other objective members of the party to look for a better platform and they began to join APC, because of some reasons best known to them. This leaves Labour Party with only 3 State House of Assembly members and 2 Senators who are, arguably, not also recognized by the party in both the state and national level, which has left them to be in motion waiting for a coalition that may never take place. It is very clear they will either join PDP or APC because the LP has made them persona non grata to the party.

    Whether you are reading this objectively or with sentiments, Edeoga’s defection has eliminated the Labour Party in Enugu State, creating a political vacuum that the PDP quickly filled with strategic placements and strengthened structures. His tactical maneuver not only destabilized the LP but also sent a strong message to both his supporters and critics that politics is not driven by empty propaganda but by calculated moves and influence. Those who doubted his capacity have been left speechless, while those who stayed close are already reaping the dividends of alignment with a reinvigorated PDP.

    One thing that cannot be denied is that Barr. Edeoga understands the political terrain of Enugu State more than many of his peers. His movement was not one born out of desperation, but a well-thought-out plan to reposition his people and allies in the centre of decision-making. The LP, once seen as a third force, is now left fragmented, disoriented, and directionless. While some of its vocal social media handlers still try to give the illusion of relevance, the ground reality paints a picture of a party that is gasping for breath. It has no viable structure, no rallying point, and certainly no leadership cohesion.

    Moreover, the ripples of Edeoga’s defection did not only resonate in Enugu North but across the entire political spectrum of the state. Even in places like Enugu East and Enugu West Senatorial Zones, Labour Party’s influence has fizzled out with most of their local leaders either defecting silently or sitting idle without clear directives. The PDP, on the other hand, has seized this opportunity to consolidate its grassroots strength, making sure that the gap left behind by the LP is sealed with responsive and strategic mobilization. If elections were held today, it is not hard to predict that Labour Party would not only perform poorly but might struggle to field serious candidates in many localities.

    However, the party is still a better option in the state than APC if it can reorganize itself and settle its internal crisis because those defecting to APC are largely driven by personal interests, opportunism, and the illusion of federal alignment rather than genuine ideological commitment. Many of these defectors have no grassroots followership and are merely seeking political survival. If the Labour Party can rise from its current disarray, rebuild its structures, reconnect with the masses that once gave it overwhelming support, and present credible candidates, it stands a chance of reclaiming its lost ground.

    What the party needs now is a sincere, selfless, and strategic leadership, a leadership that will move beyond social media noise and engage the real voters on the streets, in the markets, in the churches, and in the villages. The energy of the Obidient movement that once shook the foundations of the old order in Enugu State is not dead; it is simply dormant and disillusioned. With proper reorientation, reconciliation, and grassroots engagement, the Labour Party can revive its vision and reassert itself as the true alternative voice in the state’s political discourse. The journey may be tough, but it is far from impossible.

  • Peter’s Intangibles – By Onochie Jon-Igwesi

    Peter’s Intangibles – By Onochie Jon-Igwesi

    On Thursday, October 13, 2022, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2023 general elections, as he then was, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Law Auditorium of the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, unveiled his manifesto before thousands of supporters.

    I recall that of the 4 major contenders in the governorship race under different political parties, Mbah was the first to present his manifesto. He would later go on to have so many firsts to his credit. I also recall that the crowd was so thronged on the day that it was difficult for bigwigs to gain entrance into the auditorium at the time.

    Back to the story – at the end of the manifesto unveiling, while he gave us metrics to gauge his tangibles, we did not know at the time that we would get more than we bargained for.

    You see, Governor Peter Mbah, like all transcendental leaders, is a premium package that comes with more as you untie it. When Mary Slessor, the Scottish missionary who arrived in Calabar, Nigeria, in 1876, came with the message of Christ’s gospel, she did not know that she was going to achieve more than soul winning – becoming the person most widely credited with significantly stopping the killing of twins.

    When Peter set out to honour his charter with the citizens of Enugu State, little did he know that beyond paved rural and urban roads; Smart schools & Type 2 Healthcare centres in all the 260 political wards of the state; several modern bus interchange; revamped transport system, inclusive of Enugu air, with 2 planes already and more likely underway; the planned intra-rail system; deployed CNG Buses and electric taxis; he would go on to achieve what he did not promise us – his intangibles.

    None, not even Peter himself, could have envisioned that after recently completing the abandoned International Conference Center, where both the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and the Nigerian Bar Association will be hosting their conferences; after the concessioning of the Nike Lake Hotel to Landmark Africa Group; and rehabilitating most of the infrastructure by the former Premier, Dr. M.I Ọkpara, like the Hotel Presidential, Nigergas company, etc; we would gaze into the clouds to behold the beautiful rainbows of his intangibles.

    For me, I reckon that the heaviest of Peter’s intangibles is that to hail from or reside in Enugu has become a thing to be coveted, a bragging right of some sort. To come from Enugu means to be gazed upon with an admixture of envy and jealousy. To come from Enugu means to relive the nostalgia of the Enugu Rangers Football club of the 70s and yet bask in today’s euphoria of this team rebranded by Peter that tells the story of who we are. To come from Enugu means to walk the streets and see people adorn Rangers’ jerseys as though they were jerseys of English clubs. To come from Enugu means to go to the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on a day that Rangers will play to behold a stadium filled to the brim. To come from Enugu means to normalize the sight of international athletes participating in the city’s marathon. To come from Enugu means that while you can now go out on Mondays, walking or driving in a rebirthed capital city, fitted with day and night vision cameras, you have an Enugu State Security Trust Fund worth more than 3 billion naira, donated by private individuals and corporate bodies, giving your senses an aroma of heightened security. To come from Enugu means that you are awed by the numerous projects of today – all going on at the same time – yet knowing deep down that more brilliant projects are in the governor’s pipeline. To come from Enugu means that your state is Guinness Nigeria Plc’s first port of call in unveiling the English Premier League Trophy to the entire nation, among others.

    Consider these. Peter is relocating slum dwellers in Agu-Owa and Ugbo-Lawrence slums, two out of the 25 slums in Enugu metropolis, with the development of relocation sites at Akpuoga Nike Estate to resettle the occupants of the slums, with each of the families getting a two-bedroom flat and a Certificate-of-Occupancy to the property, all at no cost to them. Peter, together with the seventeen local government chairmen, has initiated the construction of a farm estate per ward, measuring 200 hectares. The idea is this – the council chairmen will fence the estates per ward in their respective local governments, provide equipment for mechanized farming, ensure water, electricity, settlements, etc, are available in these farms, then give farmers in each of the farm estates high yield seeds to plant. At the end of the planting season, Peter’s Enugu State government will handsomely purchase the produce from each of the farmers who are residents and indigenes of their wards, export the same and go on to share the profit from the export between the farmers in those farm estates and their local government. This is no brainchild of a simple mind.

    Peter’s mind works in a way that is esoteric. His programs defy logical reasoning so much that it makes sense to doubt them. Yet, for every ounce of doubt you share today, he makes mincemeat of it tomorrow. Reflecting, it only made sense that we did not see these coming – yet with Peter on the saddle, these seem like just a mere glimpse of the whole picture.

    On the occasion of his second anniversary, take it or leave it – Peter stands twice as tall, and months from now, when we will head to the polls to re-elect Peter in 2027, the nay-sayers will, on Enugu’s scenic hills, hear the choruses and chants of “victory at last” while the yea-sayers will sing Nathaniel Bassey’s “See what the Lord has done”.

    And so, even if in years to come, we cannot remember anything else, we will remember the gusto with which, from 2023 to 2031, we said “I am from Enugu State”. We will remember that Peter reminded us of what Democracy ought to be – a treasure trove for the people.

    Onochie Jon-Igwesi, an indigene of Enugu, writes from Omuoha-Obuoffia, Awkunanaw.

  • Onochie Jon-Igwesi Sworn-in as Secretary of Local Government

    Onochie Jon-Igwesi Sworn-in as Secretary of Local Government

    Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi has been appointed the Secretary of Local Government, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.

    The appointment which took immediate effect followed his taking of oath of office and swearing-in on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the council headquarters in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Performing the swearing-in, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Chief John Ogbodo, noted that with the appointment of Jon-Igwesi, the council was set to run effectively.

    “All these while, we didn’t have a Secretary, but today we thank God, we thank His Excellency our governor for this opportunity, and now our council can run effectively.

    “Once you have the secretary to the local government after all other arms are already inaugurated, it means the government is already running and with this team, we can now deliver, and we can be rest assured that executives can now function”.

    Accepting the appointment, Onochie Jon-Igwesi also expressed optimism that with the mandate the local government administration has, the team will deliver and make the council one that her citizens will be proud to identify with.

    “First, I wish to thank God Almighty who made today a reality because God is the one who rules over the affairs of men and I give Him all the glory.

    “I thank the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, the visionary man who has plans that their implementation has continued to positively shock everybody.

    “I also thank the Executive Chairman, the man who is driving the government plans at the local government level. Charity begins at home, so, if he can drive them effectively at the local government level, then we are very sure His Excellency’s plans will continue to be noticed at the state level.

    “I believe that with the mandate that we have, we will deliver and make Nkanu West Local Government one that we will be impressed about”.

    Recalling that donkey years ago, his grandfather served meritoriously as council chairman, Jon-Igwesi expressed confidence to keep the flag flying.

    Onochie Jon-Igwesi has a diverse portfolio spanning public service, media entrepreneurship, and community engagement. In 2020, he embarked on media entrepreneurship founding Pacesetter Frontier Magazine.

    He holds degrees in Microbiology and Law; certificates in Public Leadership and Policy; International Criminal Law, Journalism, Business Consultancy and Mediation. He is a school administrator, Rotary International member, and Paul Harris Fellow, driving discussions on peace, governance, and development through the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, an initiative of his Magazine.

  • Gov Mbah Bags NEAPS Infrastructural Development Award

    Gov Mbah Bags NEAPS Infrastructural Development Award

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has bagged the Distinguished Award for Infrastructure at the Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Awards, NEAPS, for his impactful road infrastructural interventions in the state.

    Mbah, who had a fortnight ago, also received a presidential award for his contributions to Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSMEs, at the 2024 National MSMEs Awards by the Office of the Vice President, was bestowed with the NEAPS award at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, at the weekend.

    This was even as President Bola Tinubu charged public servants to live up to their expectation as a public trust, saying NEAPS, an initiative of the private sector and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, was strategic to inspire the bulk of the nation’s workforce, “set benchmarks, and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society”.

    Speaking to newsmen, Mbah, who appreciated the organisers for recognising his administration’s effort in the area of infrastructural development, however, said he would not rest on the successes for which he was honoured.

    “First of all, we are grateful to the organisers of this NEAPS event and the OSGF. We are very grateful that our modest efforts in revamping our roads are gaining some recognition. So, for us, the award is a mark that we are doing the right thing.

    “However, as I said earlier, success abhors complacency, and this is going to only spur us to do even more. So as we leave here today, we are going to hit the road to ensure that all our roads in Enugu states are paved, both the rural roads and the urban roads.

    “As you are probably aware, besides the initial 71 urban roads already recorded, and the ongoing major inter-local government roads, some of which will equally serve as gateways to our neighbouring regions, we are commencing work on 80 other roads. In addition, we are targeting at least 10km of roads in every of our 260 electoral wards.

    “So, our work is far from being done. This is just going to give us the kick we need to hit the road, doing much more.”

    Meanwhile, President Tinubu , in a prepared speech entitled, “Honouring the Heartbeats of Public Service,” and delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the event, regretted that some persons saddled with the nation’s trust were exploiting some loopholes despite the institutional measures put in place to prevent any form of irregularities in the public service, but congratulated the awardees for distinguishing themselves in service to the people.

    “More than ever, our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust where every official must account to the people, and ours is to create an ecosystem where they not only stand out but stand apart from those who sabotage us,” he said.

    According to the President, reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation,” even as he noted that “the essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, lies in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress.

    “Our labour force remains the ultimate reflection of our principles, as practised by men and women who rise every day with a commitment to building a better future for all citizens. We therefore owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude”.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the SGF, Senator George Akume, said NEAPS recognises and rewards innovation, purposeful leadership and hard work by exceptional individuals and organisations in the country’s public service across all levels of government and the private sector.

    He explained that the process of selecting the distinguished honourees was based on empirical facts and figures that are verifiable.

  • Enugu Economic Planning Commission inspects over 50 ongoing, completed projects at Nkanu West

    Enugu Economic Planning Commission inspects over 50 ongoing, completed projects at Nkanu West

    …scores council chairman’s performance high

    Dabere Egbo & Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

    The Enugu State Economic Planning Commission has scored the Nkanu West local government administration of Hon. Uchenna Ejim high for embarking on projects which it described as humanitarian and life touching, throughout all the fourteen wards of the local government within one year of his administration. 

    The Commission made this known during a visit to Nkanu West Local Government Area on Thursday, August 31, 2023, to inspect completed and ongoing projects following a mandate it received from the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, to visit the entire seventeen local government areas of the state to carry out comprehensive inspection and supervision of projects executed by the council chairmen, in line with the promise of his (Mbah’s) administration to run a transparent and accountable government and to ensure effective and diligent execution of projects across the state. 

    Receiving the delegation from the Commission in the company of the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Ngene and the fourteen local government legislators at the Nkanu West local council secretariat in Agbani, Hon. Uchenna Ejim, while thanking them for their visit, noted that his administration had undertaken projects in all the wards of the local government, ranging from infrastructural developments to social service projects, community development projects, economic empowerment projects and an overall improvement of the local government.

    He reiterated his strong commitment to the message of disruptive innovation in governance which is the core of the Peter Mbah administration, revealing that it was one of the driving forces towards his determination to have a local government administration that was better than what he met on ground.

    Some of the project sites visited by the delegation, comprising of completed and ongoing projects, were a fully equipped, state-of-the-art ICT Lab with an ongoing four weeks intensive ICT training program for Nkanu West youths, located within the council headquarters; a 50kva Perkins Electric Power Generator; ongoing six weeks intensive free holiday lesson at St. John School, Eke Agbani; ongoing construction of 3.7km Asphalt road with a 7.4km concrete drainage completed at Obinagu Uwani Akpugo, which connects neighboring communities for improved market access; construction of 11 adjoining culverts; completed construction of 14 culverts, one for each ward, with an extra culvert at Amuzu Community, Akpugo. 

    Others were the ongoing construction of a two-storey concrete reinforced security tower at Agbani police station; construction, equipping and rehabilitation of the military checkpoint along Amodu/Obeagu road; ongoing comprehensive renovation of Orjiagu Health Centre, Agbani and the construction of Agbani Town Hall; evacuation of a waste dump at the Nigerian Law School, Agbani and Ozalla; commencement of the complete renovation of Community School, Obinagu Uwani Akpugo; ongoing extension of rural electrification to Ameke, Ogrishi, Obodo Ede, Azu-Egu, Uno-Ofia, in Obinagu Uwani. 

    More projects were installation of street lights; rehabilitation of solar powered borehole at Obodo Ede square; construction of Omo bridge at Ndiagu Agwa Umuokwo and the ongoing rehabilitation of Ozalla Fire Service and erection of extra coaches on the fence of Fire Service outpost. 

    Speaking to Pacesetter at one of the project sites, the leader of the project team, Engr. Jude Ikechukwu Uwakwe, expressed great satisfaction with the achievements and accomplishments of Ejim’s administration.

    “Coming to Nkanu West, the Mayor’s performance is enormous, compared to other local governments that we have visited.

    “Seeing this bridge, the ongoing road construction, other infrastructural construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of projects are quite impressive. 

    “Most of the projects we have inspected today are humanitarian projects, they are life touching projects. These are very gigantic projects”, Uwakwe said. 

    In a briefing with Pacesetter’s correspondent, the council chairman, Hon. Uchenna Ejim, reaffirmed his commitment to serving the good people of Nkanu West and improving the communities through infrastructural development, economic advancement and community empowerment.

    “Despite the challenges, the fire buring in us and the desire to serve the people rekindles every day. We welcome the challenges, pitfalls and we rise each time we fall.

    “Insecurity was our greatest challenge, but we have begun to tackle and dismantle this challenge.

    “We erected a security post at the boundary between Obeagu and Amodu. The State Government in collaboration with the local government has maintained joint patrol of the military and the Nigerian Police”. 

    He assured the people of his firm dedication towards improving Nkanu West’s health and education sector, as well as other social services and human empowerment that will greatly advance Nkanu West.

    Recall that in 2022, Ejim awarded One Million Naira to Miss Somto Ekwochi, an indigene of Umueze in Nkanu West LGA who was the nationwide top performing student in the WAEC exams.

    Additionally, he, along with his wife, the First Lady of the Local Government, provided significant support during the measles and yellow fever vaccination flag off at the Agbani Health Centre, among other notable achievements.