The people of Idodo Zone, Governor Peter Mbah’s immediate zone in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State have hosted him to a grand civic reception, describing him as a son in whom they are well pleased.

They also donated the sum of N50m towards the governor’s reelection.

The people, who trouped out in their thousands, said Mbah had not only lifted the zone from the backwaters of Enugu State to reference point in development, but had equally put Enugu State on the national map in all indices of national development.

Speaking through the Chairman of the organising committee, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, the people of the zone, comprising Owo, Amechi Idodo, Amankanu, Ubahu, Oruku, and Umuode, said it’s in line with Igbo’s culture to celebrate a son, who distinguishes himself, more so a governor of Mbah’s caliber that had changed the narratives of the state in just three years.

“We formally say to you, with one voice and one heart: welcome home! It is a historical rarity for a relegated place like ours to spring the surprise of producing a son of this calibre — a son whose leadership, in just three years, has become the envy of states across Nigeria and beyond.

“In three short years, Enugu’s profile as a subnational and regional capital has risen astronomically — and that rise is no accident. It is the fruit of carefully calibrated, deeply strategic thinking by our son, our brother, our kinsman, Governor Mbah,” the people declared.

Governor Peter Mbah

Recalling some of Mbah’s accomplishments, he asserted that true to his promise, the governor had translated the mantra, “Tomorrow is Here,” from a mere campaign slogan doubted by cynics and a people whose trust had been repeatedly betrayed by failed promises, to a reality that looms large across sectors.

“In just three years, Enugu people are witnessing: State-wide infrastructure and urban renewal. In Idodo zone, we have witnessed roads that set us free — the 14.5km Amechi Idodo–Oruku–Amagunze road, cutting our travel time to a few minutes and letting us reach our LGA headquarters at Amagunze without circling through four other LGAs; and the virgin 40km Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Umualor–Ikem dual carriageway, opening doors of commerce we never imagined.

Gov Mbah receiving the ‘Ofo’ presented to him by Igwe Godwin Arum on behalf traditional rulers of Idodo Zone

“Enugu State has 267 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres built by this administration, the upstream water problem of Enugu city was solved in the first months of the administration, with reticulation aggressively ongoing to get water to the last mile.

“We have massive road construction and a transport revolution — five state-of-the-art bus terminals with five more rising, CNG buses already rolling, over 2,000 hybrid city taxis to empower our youths, and an asphalt plant of our own to ramp road construction. Enugu Air has changed the very face of air travel.

“Hotel Presidential, Nigergas Limited, and Enugu United Palm Products Limited have roared back to life, while Sunrise Flour Mills and others are almost fully revamped.

“A new security architecture — tech-driven surveillance with a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, drones, and DRS surveillance vehicles have made Enugu a secure state, while a 300-bed Enugu International Hospital is now in place to end medical tourism for Nigeria and our African neighbours. The list is endless,” Nnajieze added.

The people of Idodo seized the opportunity to thank the people of the state for adopting and endorsing their son as their sole gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 governorship election in massive rallies that had earlier held across the state’s three senatorial zones.

Responding, a visibly elated Governor Mbah, thanked the people for the overwhelming demonstration of love and support.

“The love is palpable. I can feel it. I can touch it. I have no doubt as to where this is flowing from. It is flowing from the depth of affection and the depth of love you have for me. What you have demonstrated here today is real. It is organic. It is not fabricated,” he stated.

The governor attributed his success in office to the values instilled in him by his people, also expressing happiness that this had greatly changed unlike 25 years ago when he had to abandon his vehicle and trek over 2km during campaigns.

“Today, we have not only built roads and bridges, but we have equally built confidence. We have demonstrated that your circumstances of birth does not restrict you.

He further enjoined the people of Idodo Zone not to stop thanking the people of the state, who had in their respective senatorial district rallies, overwhelming endorsed him for another a second tenure.

Meanwhile, other speakers at the event include former Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, represented by former Council Chairman, Hon. Ejike Anih; Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Edeh; Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Banko Okibe; Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah; former Council Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, and community leader, Dr. George Nwachi.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the revered Ofo symbol by traditional rulers of Idodo Zone, led by Igwe Godwin Arum, as a mark of satisfaction with the governor’s leadership and a symbolic endorsement of his continuation in office for another four years.

…as former Minister Nweke Jr. dismisses opposition candidates as insignificant, says ‘They pose no threat’

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has received a resounding vote of confidence from the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, as a large crowd of indigenes converged on his country home in Owo, Nkanu East LGA, to express gratitude for his administration’s developmental strides and unanimously endorse his re-election bid in 2027.

The historic gathering, described by stakeholders as both a thank-you visit and a renewal of historical bonds, drew community leaders, government officials, traditional stakeholders, political figures and cultural troupes from the five autonomous communities of Ozalla at the weekend.

Leading the delegation, President General of Ozalla Development Union (ODU), Chief Obiora Okwuibe, praised the governor for what he described as his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and transformational interventions that have positively impacted the community.

Former Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr speaking during the visit to Gov Mbah

He particularly appreciated the governor for facilitating the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN, first as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and later as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, alongside the appointments of Dan Nwomeh as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Prof. Uchenna Agu as Chairman of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, and Francis Aninwike as General Manager of the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ENSSAA).

The community also commended the administration for key projects in Ozalla, including the functional Smart Green School, the ongoing Type II Primary Healthcare Centre, the renovation of the old Ozalla Health Centre, and the Ituku–Ishi Ozalla road project.

Okwuibe used the occasion to present the needs of the community, lamenting that successive administrations in the state had overlooked the internal roads linking the various parts of the community.

“Although Ozalla may appear adequately served by roads to anyone merely passing through, this impression is misleading. What is visible are largely federal highways that cut across our community. Beyond these major highways, the internal road network linking our autonomous communities, villages, and farmlands remains in a severely dilapidated condition,” he stated, calling for the governor’s intervention to pave them.

In a major political declaration, Okwuibe announced Ozalla’s unreserved endorsement of Mbah for a second term, assuring him of overwhelming electoral support in 2027.

“We commit ourselves to full political mobilisation across our community, ensuring massive voter turnout and delivering overwhelming support for your re-election,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose government approved the appointment of their son into the Federal Executive Council as Minister, saying they recognized this as a gesture of inclusion and national recognition.

“Accordingly, we pledge to support Your Excellency in 2027 and continue to align with the Federal Government in the spirit of cooperation, continuity, and national development,” he added.

Former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr., who spoke on behalf of the community, said Ozalla’s support for the governor was rooted in conviction and appreciation of his exceptional performance.

According to him, Mbah has demonstrated audacious vision, capacity for implementation, respect for public trust, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

Nweke noted that despite years of neglect by recent administrations, Ozalla has witnessed unprecedented government presence under Mbah through critical infrastructure and strategic appointments.

He described the governor’s nomination of Udeh as Minister as a rare honour for the community and praised other appointments extended to deserving Ozalla sons.

Throwing his weight behind Mbah’s re-election, Nweke dismissed opposition aspirants as politically insignificant, saying they did not pose any threat to the governor’s re-election.

“Come 2027, you have our full support. Yes, there could be a few skirmishes here and there, but they are like flies and nothing serious. They do not constitute any threat,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dan Nwomeh, described the visit as a reaffirmation of a long-standing historical bond between Owo and Ozalla.

He recounted how Governor Mbah personally intervened to ensure the successful delivery of the Ozalla Smart Green School and approved the renovation of the community’s oldest healthcare facility, which now operates on 24-hour solar-powered electricity.

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the community for what he described as a profound expression of trust and endorsement.

He reiterated that his administration’s development philosophy is anchored on inclusivity, equity, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

“If Ozalla is strong, Enugu is strong; if Enugu is strong, the region is strong, and if the region is strong, the country is strong,” the governor stated.

Mbah assured the community that after the ongoing major investments in education and healthcare, his administration would embark on aggressive road infrastructure development across rural communities.

He reiterated plans to construct about 1,250 kilometres of roads annually, noting that this target is achievable as resources would now be freed up following the completion of substantial investments committed to the Smart Green Schools programme.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Victor Chukwuani; and the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke, were among the prominent leaders of the delegation.

….11 babies found during raid on his house

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a pastor accused of taking dozens of married women as wives and allegedly compelling members of his church to engage in wife-swapping arrangements.

The cleric, identified as Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of the state’s security outfit following allegations that surfaced in a viral video, government officials said.

Authorities said the pastor has been handed over to the police as investigations continue into the claims made against him.

Pastor Harrison Charles

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown by the state government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries.

“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Opara said.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”

The pastor has been accused by alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of his congregation, of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claim as many as 75 women were involved.

He has also been accused of encouraging wife-swapping among church members, allegations that authorities say are being investigated.

Officials stressed that no court has ruled on the claims and that investigations remain ongoing.

Opara said security operatives discovered 11 babies during the arrest operation at the pastor’s residence.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he said.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”

The state government said it is collaborating with the police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether any laws were violated.

Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information about the pastor’s activities to assist the ongoing investigation.

The arrest comes as the Anambra State Government intensifies efforts against individuals accused of exploiting residents through religious practices, with several suspected fake pastors recently arraigned in court.