…As Mbah calls for strategic alliances, cautions against tiny political kingdoms

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, on Saturday, endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term in office, citing his visionary, pragmatic, and transformative leadership, urging stakeholders and the people to rally round him.

Rising from a well-attended expanded stakeholders meeting held at the iconic Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s strategic projects, interventions, and appointments in the South East in general and Enugu State in particular.

The meeting during which Ohanaeze handed the Ofo (symbol of authority and justice) to Mbah, brought together leaders of thought, traditional rulers, market leaders, professionals, youth and women groups as well as Presidents-General of Town Unions.

They include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, and the President-General of the body, Senator Joahn Azuta-Mbata, represented by Livingstone Wechie, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Rivers State, who both hailed Mbah’s transformative leadership and endorsed his re-election.

Ohanaeze said Mbah’s leadership had “demonstrated a clear commitment to infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, security enhancement, and human capital development across the state.”

The organisation equally predicated the governor’s endorsement on “sustained observance of the unwritten but respected zoning arrangement of the governorship seat in Enugu State since 1999” to foster equity, unity, and political stability among the constituent zones.

“In recognition of his outstanding performance, strategic vision, and commitment to the continued progress of Enugu State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, unanimously endorses Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State,” it stated.

Mrs. Ojukwu, on her path, described Mbah as a visionary reconstructing Enugu for the future and prosperity.

“Your name is Peter, and upon this rock the progress, development, and future of Enugu State is built; and that tomorrow is here. We look forward to four more years of visionary leadership,” Mrs. Ojukwu said.

The meeting further reviewed national developments and acknowledged the Tinubu’s ongoing efforts toward economic reforms, infrastructural development, and national stability.

They cited the successful concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport; approval of extension of the national gas pipeline to Enugu to unlock the state’s gas reserves; ongoing reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu – Onitsha highways, the 700-metre flyover at Eke Obinagu to the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu–Abakaliki road by Governor Mbah and the speedy reconstruction of the New Artisan dual carriage Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

They also noted that whereas no Igbo son or daughter was considered fit to head any military or paramilitary agency in the eight years preceding Tinubu, the President consecutively appointed Enugu sons – Air Marshal Sunday Aneke and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (Rtd.) as Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of the Naval Staff, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Vice President-General of Ohanaeze representing Enugu State, Prof. Fredrick Eze, said Mbah’s endorsement aligned with the core mandates of the apex Igbo organisation, which includes “to provide good leadership to Igbo people by identifying the credible paths to their progress.”

“Therefore, this special occasion perfectly fits into the core mandates of Ohanaeze. We will not shy away from telling our people the truth,” Prof. Eze emphasised.

The President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, High Chief Uche Obisi, commended Mbah for inclusive governance in healthcare, education, infrastructure, security, transportation and agriculture, which is transforming the rural communities.

Responding, Governor Mbah commended Ohanaeze for not only endorsing him, but also for acknowledging the President’s efforts in Enugu and the South East, saying the onus was on every Igbo elite to rise above narrow self-interest and invest in bridges that would serve future generations.

“The Enugu chapter of Ohanaeze has not only endorsed me as their son, but they are extending that trust beyond the Niger. They have asked me to convey their appreciation and goodwill to the president.

“This is very remarkable and strategic. We must not miss the gravity of this occasion. It is also a demonstration that Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu chapter, is willing to think beyond its circles, to think beyond today, and to think strategically,” he stated.

Continuing, he said, “We are not people known for short-term reaction. We have always been known for strategic thinking. I am glad that the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Samuel Obiajulu Ike, mentioned copiously the late Michael Okpara, a leader par excellence whose legacies are still a heartwarming reference point to date.

“But when it became necessary as a leader of National Council for Nigerian Citizens, NCNC, in 1964 to have a handshake across the Niger, Michael Okpara did not hesitate. He forged an alliance with the Action Group, which birthed the United Progressive Grand Alliance, UPGA.

“So we have forbears, who knew when it was necessary to think strategically and make the right decision, not for building tiny kingdoms. They were driven by common interests, common purpose, and the future of Ndigbo, not selfish interest.”

He assured that he would continue to live up to the trust reposed in him by the people, adding that the Igbo spirit was already finding expression in the over 2,000 ongoing and completed projects and major reforms repositioning the state as a preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and living that every Igbo would be proud.

The Elobuike family of Oma-Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State has called for urgent intervention over what it described as the continued denial of access to the children of their son, Late Robert Elobuike “Bob,” following a series of tragic developments within the maternal family.

In a press statement issued by Bob’s sister, Nwadi Elobuike, the family said it has been unable to see or communicate with the children since the death of Bob’s wife, Nnenna, in March 2020 at the age of 30.

The situation, she noted, has been further complicated by the recent death of Nnenna’s younger brother, Okwudili, two weeks ago at the age of 31.

According to the statement, repeated efforts by the paternal family to establish contact with the children have either been ignored or outrightly refused, with no formal explanation provided for the restriction.

The statement alleged that the children are currently with the maternal family of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ambrose Oba Maduabuchi, of Ehuhe-Achi in Oji River Local Government Area, also in Enugu State—a detail the Elobuike family says underscores the need for transparency and adherence to lawful and ethical standards.

“The continued lack of access raises serious concerns about the welfare of the children and the circumstances under which they are being raised,” the statement said.

The family also expressed concern over what it described as a breakdown in communication and transparency from those currently responsible for the children’s care, warning that the situation could have legal and ethical implications if not urgently addressed.

The Elobuike family is demanding immediate and unconditional access to the children, as well as clear information regarding their welfare and living conditions.

It also called for the establishment of a structured and lawful arrangement that would allow the paternal family to maintain a relationship with the children.

Furthermore, the family appealed to relevant authorities, community leaders, and child welfare institutions to intervene and ensure that the rights of the children and their extended family are protected.

As of the time of filing this report, no response had been received from the maternal family.

Youths in the Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have staged a protest over what they described as more than 25 years of electricity blackout, declaring that there would be no electoral activities in the area until power is restored.

The protesters, who marched in large numbers, lamented that despite Afikpo producing high-ranking political office holders, including the deputy governor, federal and state lawmakers, local government officials, and commissioners, the area has remained without electricity.

Speaking on behalf of the Odinma Afikpo group, Mr. Charles Otu, a journalist and social activist, said elected representatives from the area must be held accountable, stressing that constructive criticism should not be misconstrued as negativity.

“We want Afikpo Light restored. That was after over a decade. Nothing changed. In 2019, we were promised by then Governor Umahi that before the 2019 elections, Afikpo Light would be restored.

“A five-man committee was set up, made up of Afikpo sons and daughters. To date, nothing has happened. In 2022, again, this agitation came through social media: we want Afikpo light restored.

“From 2022 till now, nothing has changed. The last episode was in 2024, when this same agitation started on Facebook. That was when a famous coinage of Agui, where a bold young man spoke and said the elected people should go to wherever this electricity is having problems and fix it. We have a 133 KV substation in Amasiri. They have been working on that substation since 2001.

“Somebody born in 2001 till now is 25 years old. The person is ready to become a mother if she’s a woman. If he’s a boy, he’s done with the university and he’s now asking for employment.

“Why is it difficult to energize the African substation? The governor of Ebonyi state, Mr. Francis Nwifuru, has intervened in this matter. Gave 208 million. In 2024, they told us, they said, “Look,”

“It won’t take us three months. It won’t take us three months. And this light will be restored. That was where we were in 2024. This is 2026. Two years after what has happened to our people. That’s why we came,” Otu said.

The protest, however, was not without internal tensions, as some community stakeholders were accused of attempting to discourage the agitation, describing it as unnecessary criticism.

“They told us they had a general assembly. And they said they don’t want people to write. We were waiting for the elders to come out plain and tell us what they meant.

“What did you say? It’s criticism. Is it for me, a lawmaker, asking me, a journalist, why he made an event about Afikpo electricity where he represents me and he has been in the House of Representatives for 12 years? Is that what you call criticism? If that is what Afikpo has called criticism today, I am saying that it is not criticism. And I am saying that as a journalist, even if they say they are placing a fine of 100,000 for those who write,

“It is not going to affect me. I am a journalist, and I will not be stopped. I am not going to stop talking about it; I have talked about development issues in Ebonyi for 15 years. Those who know me very well know that in 2011, since my practice, right from Ebonyi Voice till now, you are my colleagues and should bear witness to me. I have always stood for developmental journalism. What will bring development? Is our world developed in darkness? The answer is no,” he said.

Another protest leader, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu Otu said the demonstration was aimed at sensitizing leaders to their responsibilities, emphasizing that criticism is an essential part of governance.

“Like, these are people. And it is not a new story that for over two decades, we’ve not had steady lights. And the bulk of this criticism is because of this lack of electricity. A boy, a girl, or a child that is up to 15 or 20 years old doesn’t know what electricity is. If light comes up and the generator is not on, the boy of 15 years will be wondering where the light is coming from. That is how bad it is. And this is a town that has a House of Rep member, deputy appropriation chairman.

“Deputy governor, what do you call it, two House of Assembly members, three commissioners, and all that you have in government? And the place has been abandoned with normalized darkness in Afikpo. And the people you see here have reduced. We were over 2,000 in the morning because it’s a matter of concern. No right-thinking person would just endure this situation,” Iheukwumere said.

He further decried the lack of human and capital development in the area, noting that many graduates remain unemployed while resources are allegedly mismanaged.

“And we are saying, without this power restoration, we are not voting and won’t allow anybody to campaign.

“That is our resolve. No light. No vote. No light. No vote. So that is our resolve because we’ve traveled and we’ve seen how things work. Most of the persons you’re seeing here, they have masters.

“Some even have doctorate degrees. And we have somebody in the House of Rep who’s seen how jobs are being gotten; the advertisements you see online and in the newspaper have already been given. They share jobs now. Where is the one for our people, our constituency? Instead, they want to keep us especially in darkness because if 500 million can be budgeted for fish into the river, is it 2 billion or 3 billion that he cannot also do it the way he did it to achieve that 500 million for our electricity?

“So it’s something that is confusing. And I don’t know, most of us are just helpless, especially our elders. I don’t know where and how this town, a town that houses the who’s who, people who are courageous, people who are brave, and I don’t know where they are.

“The promise I’m making to our people, even if it’s only me, is the truth; I must continue to agitate, I must continue to ask for the things that are right for the people; I can’t do otherwise,” he added.

A female protester, Lady Sheravin Mbe, also told reporters that Afikpo once enjoyed electricity decades ago, recalling efforts by a former lawmaker to restore power.

“You could imagine since 1970, I think from that time till now, it should be more than 49 years. What happened now? That our children, our grandchildren, would say we don’t have need of this wire; I do tell them we once had light in Afikpo.

“They now ask me what happened now. I told them I don’t know. But some so-called big fish in Afikpo. Because I know there’s a lady here that wanted this light and stood firm to make sure that there’s light in Afikpo. And her name is Maria Udewachi; her efforts were truncated because she is a woman,” she added.

The protesters insisted that their stance remains unchanged, warning that political campaigns and voting would be resisted if the electricity issue is not urgently addressed.

Observers say the development could have implications for upcoming local government elections and the 2027 general elections if the grievances remain unresolved.