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Mbah: Celebrating Poster Boy Of Good Governance In Nigeria @ 53

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

Advocate News Nigeria

Governor Peter Mbah to receive Vanguard's Good Governance Award

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah

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By Samson Ezea

By this time last year, Enugu State Governor Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah celebrated his first birthday as Governor of Enugu State without fanfare. He was 52 years then. Today, Governor Mbah is 53 years looking so confident, articulate, prepared, focused, stoic and purposeful in the task of governance of Enugu State.
Obviously, the people of Enugu State and others beyond are not celebrating the personality called Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah today. No, after all, they have repeatedly celebrated him on his birthdays before now. What they will be and are celebrating today are the unprecedented, monumental and transformative projects and developments Governor Mbah has put in place in less than two years of his administration, which has changed the entire developmental landscape of the state, restored it’s lost glory and made it investors’ preferred destination.
It is for this reason and many others that even President of the country, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had early this year and against all odds and expectations made his first official visit outside Abuja to Enugu State to witness and commission legacy and people-oriented projects of Governor Mbah’s administration that have been making waves in the media nationally and globally.
President Tinubu praised Governor Mbah and made it clear to Enugu people that in Governor Mbah is Enugu people’s tomorrow, today and better future for them and the rest of Nigerians.
Evidence and testimonies abound across the length and breath of Enugu State of how Governor Mbah has disruptively innovated good governance and democracy dividends in Enugu State to the surprise, support and commendations of the people.
So saying unequivocally and with finality that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Owo, Nkanu East LGA-born maritime lawyer, financial analyst, public servant, oil magnet and renowned entrepreneur, before emerging or becoming the Governor of Enugu State is a rare breed is not an overstatement or a lie.
He is indeed in his own unique element and will continue to be, having already had the world in his palms through the dint of hard work, focus, and grace at 53. It is also of note that at a very relative young age, Mbah found himself in the corridors of power occupying the powerful positions of Chief of Staff to the Governor and Commissioner for Finance and was able to handle them very well without being carried away by the perks and paraphernalia of office.
Unlike the typical Nigerian politician, that would have continued to hang and hover around the corridors of power, lobby for more political positions, favours, juicy government contracts and other government patronage usually in abundance, Mbah quietly abandoned politics and public service and moved on after his stint with the Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration.
He returned to Lagos, where he was before to search for business opportunities and potentials that are always in abundance for those that have the vision, resilience, and capacity to overcome and prosper.
In Lagos, Mbah quietly, patiently, and stoically started in a studio room in Victoria Island, a company known as Pinnacle Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited. With time, the company became visible with some retail filling stations across the country, while Mbah worked studiously behind the scene and within a short time, he transformed and expanded the company’s business frontiers from a studio room office to a major global player in the competitive downstream oil industry by conceptualising, commencing and completing the largest tank farm in Africa at Lekki free trade zone. This huge and unprecedented investment was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022 amidst accolades and commendations by Nigerians and the international community.
It will not be surprising if Mbah’s magic wand and Midas touch which brought about the breakthrough and success of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited become a case study and reference point in the global oil industry and entrepreneurial community in the years ahead. This is because Mbah’s exploits and achievements in that regard are no mean feat, especially for someone who had a very short stint in politics and was not a major stakeholder in the oil industry.
That was why Mbah’s foray into the murky water of Nigeria again in 2022 to aspire for the coveted office of the Governor of Enugu State on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) created fears and sent shivers down the spines of his co-aspirants and opposition, who instantly became threatened by his expression of interest.
His entry into the governorship race changed the equation because he came prepared, became the big masquarade and the best among the equals before, during and after the party primaries and the governorship election.
Throughout the struggles, intrigues, and schemings for the PDP governorship primaries and elections, Mbah was not daunted, disillusioned, or perturbed. Rather he was calm, confident and focused. This was despite the barrage of social media mudslingings and campaign of calumny unleashed on him by the opponents.
He remained dogged, determined, and had his eyes on the ball. His victory in the election didn’t come easy. To the glory of God, he sits today as the Governor of Enugu State.
At 53, and less than two year in office, Governor Mbah who came into office with the mantra of disruptive innovations and is in a hurry to change things for good, has revolutionised and re-engineered the governance, political and development structures of Enugu State for better performance. He has brought to bear his public and private sector experience to the governance of Enugu State. With his government’s massive interventions in all sectors of the state economy, Mbah is systematically and methodically building Enugu of the people’s dream and greater future.
Apart from ending quickly the menace of the IPOB-induced illegal Monday sit-at-home in Enugu and repositioning the state’s security architecture to enhance peace and security, Mbah’s administration has turned the state into a huge construction site with completed and ongoing roads, health institutions and smart schools projects across the state. Majorly among the completed projects that will add enormous value to the economy of the state are the long abandoned International Conference Centre, Modern Transport Terminals at Holyghost, Nsukka, Abakpa and Awkunanaw and others.
Meanwhile, from agriculture, housing, SME, tourism, health, water, ICT, civil service, environment, sports, transport, Mbah’s administration is making changes and progress that will catapult the state to enviable economic height in the immediate and years to come.
Politics, which has been part of government and governance in the state before now, has taken a back seat, while good governance, infrastructural development and delivery of democracy dividends have taken the centre stage and frontburner. There is also a paradigm shift in the leadership recruitment and style of governance in the state. This is gradually changing the state’s political actors, landscape and activities.
To Governor Mbah, it appears that the best form of politics and governance is good governance and delivery of democracy dividends to the people, especially at the grassroots where there are majority of the voters. This is what Governor Mbah has demonstrated by the way and manner his government is executing projects, particularly roads in some suburbs like Abakpa, Emene, Obiagu, Camp, Awkunanaw, Ugwuaji, Agbani road and others that have been neglected for sometimes.
At 53 and as the Governor of Enugu State, Mbah has shown Ndi Enugu that their choice of him as their governor at the poll was never a wrong decision. He has demonstrated to them by his actions and inactions that he is capable and prepared for the job they entrusted in his hands and there is light at the end of the tunnel, eventhough it will be no longer business as usual.
It is quite gladdening and celebratory that at 53, Governor Mbah has written his name in gold, had his footprints in the sand of time and is highly desirous of breaking new grounds in creating wealth and rendering selfless service to humanity.
Mbah is a jinx breaker, national and international awards winner, astute entrepreneur, and Governor of Enugu state with burning desire, creative abilities, genuine moves and disruptive innovations and vision to build new Enugu of international standards and global economic reckoning.
Ride on the game changer, poster boy of good governance in Nigeria, technological savvy, financial analyst, digital Governor and great leader of our time. Happy birthday, the disruptive innovators, outstanding personality, goal-getter, Anukaenyi of Owo and The Sun Newspaper Governor of Year 2023.

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BREAKING: Many feared dead as Warri–Itakpe train derails

Published

6 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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Several passengers are feared dead after a train operating on the Warri–Itakpe corridor derailed on Monday.

The exact number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed, as rescue and assessment efforts continue at the scene of the incident.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed that emergency personnel and relevant agencies have been mobilised to assist affected passengers and manage the situation.

“The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirms that an incident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) occurred today.

“Emergency response teams and relevant authorities are currently at the scene attending to the situation and providing necessary assistance,” the statement signed by the corporation’s managing director and chief executive officer, Kayode Opeifa, partly read.

“The corporation is closely monitoring developments, and a detailed statement will be issued as soon as more information becomes available,” it added.

Authorities are expected to release additional information as investigations and rescue operations progress.

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50 Zamfara Elders on reconciliation visit to bandit leader abducted

Published

7 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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Jammo, the bandits’ kingpin in charge of Muntsira Forest in Maradun LGA of Zamfara, reportedly kidnapped them.

The chairman of Maradun Local Government, Hon. Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, but said the people decided to meet with the bandit kingpin without government’s clearance.

“We are against reconciliation with the bandits, and Governor Dauda Lawal never supported that, but unknown to us the people chose to go on with it,” Dosara said.

Dosara further said the bandits’ kingpin blocked the village access to the market, but he constantly maintained giving them weekly security backup to come to the market and return home.

“I wonder why, how they go and meet their rivals; they block access to the market, and I support them with security every week,” Dosara expressed his worries.

The council chairman further confirmed the release of 11 people, while the remaining 39 are still in captivity.

“He released some to just brief the people on the unfortunate incident,” he added.

Also speaking, the Councillor of Magami/Faru ward, Bello Husseini, revealed that previously the bandits kingpin Jammo, who is terrorizing the area, had an encounter with the Zamfara State security outfit ‘Askarawa” where they killed two of his lieutenants and carted away their rifles.

However, during the last fasting period, the bandits, who were on a reprisal attack, also killed two Askarawa personnel and took away their rifles.

“You see we are one to one; they killed two of us and took away their rifles, and we also killed them and possessed their firearms initially,” Husseini said.

Husseini added that the bandit Kingpin requested reconciliation after one of his boys was killed in a recent military operation at Kandare village, which the people granted on their own against the government policy.

According to him, the communities sent in a 50-man committee and on their arrival, Jamm betrayed and kidnapped them but later released 11 people.

Hon. Husseini said Jammo is currently demanding N24 million for the three seized rifles.

“We are against any form of reconciliation because we know they are not trustworthy; they can speak one true statement against a hundred lies.”

“The people he held hostage were elderly, and he had no reason to hold them hostage; he betrayed them by saying he is tired of banditry and opted for reconciliation,” Husseini said.

The Councillor further stated that he migrated from his ward due to insecurity, despite the fact that he is against reconciliation in whatever form.

The chairman and the Councilor jointly called on government and security forces to launch an attack on the “Dajin Natsira” as the bandits never experienced confrontation throughout the history of banditry in Zamfara State.

“They have never been attacked by any security forces, and we are optimistic that if the government wants to help these people, one patrol five kilometres away from the village will yield a very good positive result.”

“Whenever the forest was bombed, 6 local government areas out of the 14 in the state, such as Talata Mafara, Bakura, Anka, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Maru and Bungudu, will definitely be peaceful.”

They also urged Governor Lawal and the Minister for Defence Bello Matawalle to come to their aid.

Hon. Husseini said Jammo was the overall ruler of the Dajin Natsira, which comprises Bayan ruwa, Kwargwaro, Aljumma Fulani, Gidan Dawa and Kyetare but each segment has its own leader.

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2027: Former Power Minister, Barth Nnaji Endorses Gov Mbah, Tinubu for Reelection

Published

9 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Prof Barth Nnaji with Gov Peter Mbah during his visit to Enugu Government House on Monday

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Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, saying the governor has done exceedingly well.

Nnaji announced the endorsement while fielding questions from Government House correspondents during a visit to Mbah on Monday, citing several landmark achievements of the governor in just three years.

The former Minister said he was unavoidably absent at the weekend when the people of Enugu East Senatorial District endorsed Mbah and President Tinubu at a massive rally, but maintained that politics was about lineup and he was fully in support of the president’s endorsement and reelection.

Prof Barth Nnaji and Gov Peter Mbah

“It should not be a surprise that I am in support of my younger brother. You may not be aware that during the run-up to the 2023 election, I led a group of key stakeholders in Nkanu East to campaign, going to all the key stakeholders in Enugu State, asking them to, please, consider Nkanu East; that we had not had the opportunity of holding this position. And because of that lack of opportunity, Nkanu East was about the only local government that did not have any real government presence.

“If you are in, say, the Idodo area where the governor and I come from, you had to go through four local governments before you got to the headquarters of our own LGA. This needed to change. And so now all that is changing because of the work of His Excellency, our governor. And you can see that to go from that Idodo area to Amagunze, our local government headquarters, is now a matter of a few minutes. That has totally changed the calculation,” he stated.

Continuing, he lauded the governor’s strides in the areas of security, infrastructure, and healthcare, which he said were not only critical enablers of economic growth, but also key to reversing brain drain and overseas medical tourism.

“There are so many other reasons why we have to all come and encourage our governor for what he is doing and to do more.

Gov Peter Mbah and Prof Barth Nnaji

“I was just talking with him about the two major criteria for people to come back to Nigeria instead of the ‘Japa’ syndrome of running away. Those two would be security, and the second is high-quality healthcare. So, the development of the Enugu International Hospital, which will have the sort of equipment that people run elsewhere to access, is something that is quite innovative for Nigeria.

“We are not lacking in high-quality doctors because we have them, except that many of them have run away. So, this hospital here will bring them back and begin to reverse healthcare tourism.

“Then there are all the infrastructure projects, the roads of standard quality that have been built or are ongoing across the state, and so on.

“Therefore, my presence here is to encourage him and support him so that by the next term, we should be able to see a lot more. That is the point,” he added.

Nnaji urged other people jostling for the office of governor in 2027 to join hands with the governor to consolidate on his achievements and actualise his lofty vision for the state.

Citing his personal experiences, he described Mbah as a listening leader and called on other stakeholders in the state to offer their advice where necessary.

“The whole idea is for all of us to join together to support the governor for the next term. It is okay for people to run for office, but you have to look at the future. What are we really trying to gain?

“If we are doing well, then the thing is to encourage the governor and his government to do more for the people.

“The other thing is that key stakeholders in the state should be able to come and be part of advising for the better. I mean, a governor is not God. A governor is a person of excellence who should be able to move the state forward. But in doing so, wherever there are things that are not going the way people want, we should be able to tell him. And he will listen. I believe he absolutely listens. From all the discussions that we have been having, I know he listens,” he concluded.

On Tinubu’s reelection, he asserted, “On the support for the President, there is a lineup for the office. And that lineup is very important – both the up-ballot and down-ballot candidates usually have to be supported by clear-thinking people. That is what we are doing.”