The Enugu state governor, Mr Peter Mbah, has been accused by Enugu professionals of starting off on the wrong note just one week into his tenure. Mr Mbah was sworn in as governor on May 29, but allegations have since been made that he bribed the 24 newly elected members of the Enugu State House of Assembly with N48 million.
The President of the Alliance of Enugu State Professionals (AESP), Engr Simon-Peter Nwobodo, and the publicity secretary, Barrister Matthew Eze, issued a statement on this matter this morning in Enugu. According to the statement, the Enugu professionals are concerned that the new governor has decided to approach his role by engaging in corrupt practices.
The Enugu professionals have urged Mr Mbah to desist from such actions and focus instead on working towards the development of the state. They believe that his actions will set a bad precedent and could lead to a loss of faith in his administration.
The allegations against the governor have sparked outrage and condemnation from several quarters, with many calling for an investigation into the matter. The governor is yet to respond to the allegations.
Recent speculations have emerged regarding the inauguration of the state legislature, which is expected to occur between the 13th and 20th of this month. However, concerns persist after the new Enugu state governor, Mr Peter Mbah, was accused of engaging in corrupt practices, even before the legislative assembly was inaugurated.
According to reports, Mbah called for a meeting with the newly elected members of the Enugu State House of Assembly at the Governor’s Lodge last Friday. However, the meeting was purportedly a front for bribing the 24 members, each of whom were given N2 million to support Mbah’s administration, regardless of political affiliation.
The Enugu Professionals, a watchdog group in the state, have expressed disappointment at Mbah’s methods, noting that his legitimacy as governor is still being contested at the Election Petitions Tribunal. They have warned that the governor’s actions could create a negative precedent and suggest his lack of commitment to fighting corruption in government.
Given the severity of these accusations, calls for an investigation into the matter have intensified, with many advocating for immediate action to hold the governor accountable for such actions. Until then, the people of Enugu state await official response from the governor or the authorities regarding this matter.
The results of the Enugu State House of Assembly election held on March 18 saw the Labour Party (LP) win 14 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 10 seats.
Recently, allegations that new Enugu state governor, Mr Peter Mbah, bribed the newly elected members of the state legislative assembly with N48 million have emerged. It is alleged that the governor told the legislators that the money was a gift to help them celebrate their swearing-in day.
The Alliance of Enugu State Professionals (AESP) has issued a statement decrying the governor’s actions, claiming that it is part of a bigger scheme to make the new legislators beholden to him. In Igbo, the governor reportedly told the assembly members that the N48 million was just a fraction of the financial support he will provide to the legislators after they begin working.
The allegations are a source of concern and have raised questions about the governor’s approach to governance. Many have expressed their disappointment and called on the relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. Until then, the people of Enugu state remain watchful of their governor’s actions as he navigates his new role.
The Enugu State Professionals have now described the gift given to the newly elected members of the state legislative assembly by Governor Peter Mbah as a dangerous omen.
The group stated that this action indicates that Mbah will likely surpass previous Enugu state governors in his profligate approach to governance. Compounding their concerns, the group also noted that the current government is not legitimate, the result of alleged collusion between Mbah and a few elements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
These developments have caused significant concern within the state and beyond, with many accusing the government of lacking moral authority.
However, the group did commend the 24 newly elected lawmakers who attended the meeting with Mbah, citing their moral scruples, which is a rare trait amongst politicians in Nigeria. After the meeting, many of the lawmakers were overheard saying “Ego Enugu”, which translates to “Enugu people’s money”.
As the situation continues to develop, residents of Enugu state remain watchful of the actions of their government and the political figures who operate within it.
The Enugu State Professionals have taken issue with Governor Peter Mbah’s recent decision to cancel the Monday Sit-at-home in the state without first seeking an understanding of why people were complying with the order. The group argued that Mbah should have learned from the experience of Governor Charles Soludo of neighbouring Anambra state. Soludo’s pledge to end the Sit-at-home order and wipe out criminality associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led to unprecedented insecurity in the state.
The group also criticized Mbah for his approach to governance, citing the alleged widespread profligacy of previous PDP governments. They argued that despite the huge revenues that accrued to the state since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999, previous governments had failed to deliver on basic development projects.
The Enugu State Professionals called on Mbah to be more mindful of the needs of the people and ensure that his administration focuses on delivering tangible development projects. Furthermore, they urged him to approach governance with moral authority and avoid actions that could undermine his legitimacy, ensuring that the people of Enugu State benefit from the dividends of democracy.
The Enugu State Professionals have stated their concern following a threat made by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to make Enugu State ungovernable for Governor Peter Mbah. Speaking on the matter, the group stated that this development is quite ominous and could undermine the stability of the entire state.
The group urged Mbah to take proactive measures to address the concerns, ensuring they do not escalate into a full-blown security crisis. They also called on the governor to take steps to provide greater economic opportunities to the youth and ensure that the people of Enugu State feel safe and secure.
The Enugu State Professionals remain committed to the peaceful development of the state and the wellbeing of its people. As such, they urged the governor to work closely with all stakeholders to address issues that might undermine the state’s peace and stability, safeguarding the welfare of the residents of Enugu State. GMTNews
