By Tony Edike
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu, arguing that strategic political alliances and the Federal Government’s investments in the region are essential to driving industrialisation, creating jobs and securing a better future for its people.
Mbah said the South-East should prioritise its economic interests and developmental needs over political sentiments, pointing to the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the proposed regional gas pipeline and investments in road and airport infrastructure as reasons the region should strengthen its relationship with the Tinubu administration.
The governor made the call during the inauguration of the Enugu State APC Campaign Council, where he highlighted the potential benefits of the Federal Government’s interventions and urged the people to consider the long-term implications of their political choices.
Governor Mbah at the Inauguration of Enugu APC campaign council
He argued that although the South-East gave Tinubu limited electoral support during the 2023 presidential election, the region should recognise the importance of his administration’s willingness to support projects capable of transforming its economy.
According to Mbah, the region must pursue strategic political engagement that can attract investments, expand economic opportunities and strengthen its position in national affairs.
“We are not doing this out of blind loyalty. We are doing it because of the interests of our people and because we are committed to their welfare,” the governor said.
SEDC, Gas Pipeline Key to South-East Development
Mbah described the establishment of the South-East Development Commission as a significant step towards addressing the region’s developmental challenges and advancing its economic aspirations.
He said the proposed gas pipeline, expected to connect major cities across the South-East, could provide the reliable energy supply needed to attract industries, support existing businesses and generate employment for the region’s growing population.
The governor maintained that the project should be viewed beyond the physical infrastructure involved, stressing that its greatest value would lie in the economic opportunities it could create for young people.
“When you talk about a pipeline, you probably only see some steel that may be buried in the ground. But it is beyond those steel pipes. It is about our children. It is about keeping our children here. It is about industrialising the South-East, creating employment and empowering our young people to believe in the future again,” he said.
Mbah explained that reliable energy infrastructure would encourage industrial development, create jobs and reduce the pressure on young people to leave the region or travel abroad in search of better opportunities.
He said the proposed investments could help create an environment where young people could access quality education, establish businesses and build sustainable careers within the South-East.
The governor also noted that the idea of establishing a development commission for the region had existed for decades, describing the SEDC as an important institutional platform for addressing the South-East’s economic and infrastructure needs.
Airport, Road Investments to Strengthen Regional Economy
Mbah also cited road infrastructure and the development of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu as important areas in which Federal Government support could improve the region’s economic prospects.
He said improved road networks would facilitate the movement of people and goods, connect communities to markets and strengthen commercial activities across Enugu State and the wider South-East.
On the airport, the governor highlighted the importance of developing cargo facilities and improving international connectivity to support trade, attract more airlines and expand access to domestic and foreign markets.
According to him, effective cargo infrastructure could reduce the logistical difficulties faced by businesses in the region, particularly the additional costs associated with transporting goods through Lagos before moving them to the South-East.
He maintained that improved transportation and logistics infrastructure would reduce business costs, enhance competitiveness and make the region more attractive to investors.
For Mbah, these projects demonstrate why the South-East should consider the economic benefits of constructive engagement with the Federal Government when making political decisions.
‘Prioritise Development Over Political Sentiments’
The governor urged the people of the South-East to assess political leaders based on their commitment to development and the tangible benefits their policies and investments could deliver.
He argued that political decisions should not be driven solely by emotions, personal considerations or past electoral differences, but should reflect the long-term interests of the people.
Mbah maintained that supporting Tinubu should be considered within the context of the opportunities the region could gain from ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects.
He said stronger political cooperation could improve the South-East’s ability to attract further investments, create employment and participate more effectively in national development.
The governor’s argument is that the region’s political strategy should be guided by practical considerations, including infrastructure development, industrial growth, job creation and the welfare of future generations.
He stressed that the ultimate objective should be to create an economy capable of providing opportunities for young people and enabling businesses to thrive without forcing residents to seek better prospects elsewhere.
Mbah: APC Will Campaign on Achievements
The governor also commended the chairman and members of the Enugu State APC Campaign Council, alongside party executives, for their efforts in organising the campaign council.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of the party’s campaign activities and expressed confidence that the APC would present its achievements to the electorate.
According to him, the party intends to focus on its record of performance rather than make promises unsupported by evidence.
Mbah urged residents to assess the administration by examining projects and developments around them.
He maintained that the APC’s campaign would highlight infrastructure investments, economic opportunities and policies that the party believes could improve the lives of the people.
The governor’s message to the South-East was that political support should be linked to the pursuit of regional development, with the proposed gas pipeline, the SEDC and improvements to transportation infrastructure serving as key considerations in determining the region’s political direction.
