…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.