₦airaland Forum

Peter Mbah is Sabotaging Nnaji's Efforts Toward Enugu's Economic Transformation

By Nweze Chinedu, PhD

The recent onslaught of baseless accusations and cheap propaganda launched by Governor Peter Mbah’s media writers, such as Ogbodo Nnaji-Udeh, against Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, is not only misguided but also a reckless display of political immaturity. It is clear that Governor Mbah’s team is more interested in peddling falsehoods than addressing the real issues plaguing Enugu State.

It is both disheartening and alarming that a governor who was elected to deliver governance is now consumed with petty antagonism against a federal minister—a brother from the same Nkanu land—who is striving to attract landmark projects to the state. Rather than support and encourage these efforts, Mbah’s administration has resorted to unfounded attacks and the unlawful detention of contractors and supervisors engaged in the execution of a transformational project.

The True Facts of the Matter
For clarity, the land in question was duly ceded to the Energy Commission of Nigeria, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. This arrangement was formalized, signed by the host communities and handed over to the agency for further action in line with the Land Use Act of 1978. Uche Nnaji’s mission to bring a bio-methanol project, envisioned amongst the largest in West Africa is a selfless act intended to create jobs, promote economic growth, and attract investment into Enugu State. This project has the potential to open up opportunities for skilled and unskilled labor, enhance local enterprise, and position Enugu as a hub for green energy development.

However, instead of supporting this initiative, Governor Mbah in a shameless show of strength, ordered the arrest and detention of the contractors, supervisors, and even the equipment deployed to commence the project. This action is a gross misuse of power, and a betrayal of the trust Enugu people placed in him. It is often said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," and Mbah’s divisive tactics will do nothing but harm the progress of Enugu State.

The Dangers of Clout-Chasing Leadership
Governor Peter Mbah’s obsession with clout-chasing rather than purposeful leadership has left many to truly understand that he lacks the capacity to deliver on his widely publicized manifesto, such as the provision of 24/7 portable water to Ndi Enugu within 180 days in office. The period from May 29, 2023, to December 17, 2024, amounts to 568 days since Peter Mbah took the oath of office, yet there has been no significant impact as he boasted. While in his bid to swindle Ndi Enugu and attract public sentiments/validation especially from returnees during this Christmas and new year celebrations, he engaged in an array of projects, including road rehabilitation, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many of these roads are poorly executed surface dressings, with some already deteriorating, such as the recently rehabilitated Trans-Ekulu and Timber Shed roads, to name a few. We will refrain from discussing the quality of his projects for now, as time will reveal their true state for taxpayers to reevaluate in two years. However, it is evident that these surface dressings will not withstand the weight of ordinary vehicles. Worse still, these substandard projects are being financed at exorbitant costs from Enugu’s limited resources—a clear case of "robbing Enugu to pay Peter."

Instead of engaging in meaningful governance, Mbah’s preoccupation with attacking Uche Nnaji reveals a small-minded approach to leadership. As the Igbo adage goes, "He who is carried on another’s back should not be the first to insult those walking on their own feet." Uche Nnaji is working tirelessly to attract federal investments to Enugu, while Mbah’s administration squanders state resources on shallow and poorly executed projects.

Call for Accountability and Proper Leadership
We, the people of Enugu State, demand that Governor Mbah refocus his energy on governance and deliver on the "elephant promises" he made in his manifesto. Enugu’s residents are tired of empty slogans and hollow declarations. The state’s roads, healthcare, education, and security require serious attention, not the political witch-hunting of Uche Nnaji.

Governor Mbah should be reminded of the saying, "When you point one finger, three fingers point back at you." His attempt to undermine Uche Nnaji’s efforts to bring developmental projects to Enugu only exposes his insecurity and lack of strategic vision. A true leader seeks collaboration, not confrontation.

The Role of Enugu People
It is time for the people of Enugu to rise and reject the politicization of development projects. We cannot allow cheap blackmail to derail the progress that Uche Nnaji is bringing to our land. The people must demand transparency, fairness, and equity in the allocation and utilization of state resources. Governor Mbah’s actions undermine the collective interest of the people and set a dangerous precedent.

The bio-methanol project has the potential to be a game-changer for Nkanu land and the entire state. It will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, increase the state’s revenue, and drive economic diversification. This is a legacy project that any reasonable leader should support, not sabotage.

A Final Word to Peter Mbah and His Media Writers
Governor Mbah’s media team must desist from peddling lies and sabotaging Uche Nnaji’s noble and highly commendable efforts for the sake of cheap political gains. It is high time they understood that "lies may travel for a thousand miles, but the truth will catch up in a single step." Uche Nnaji’s contributions to Enugu’s development are undeniable, and no amount of smear campaigns can erase his legacy. We strongly warn Mbah to stop this destructive path of "climbing the ladder of popularity by sabotage."

If Mbah’s administration fails to change course, the people of Enugu will be left with no choice but to hold him accountable. Leadership is not about personal vendettas but about the collective good of the people. We expect Mbah to step up, live up to his responsibilities, and focus on what truly matters—governing Enugu State with competence, integrity, and a commitment to the people’s welfare.

As the scriptures say, "A house built on deceit shall not stand." Let Mbah’s team take heed, for the people of Enugu are watching. The call is clear: "Focus on governance, not on gimmicks." Uche Nnaji’s resolve to bring progress to Enugu State remains unshaken, and his efforts shall not be in vain.

We need to hear from Uba side.

The choice of words tells the motive is not sincere from the opposition minister. Before carrying out the project did the minister inform the governor about it formally?The Peter Mbah that has moving up and down looking for investors will not bring down an investment opportunity.
The minister should do the right thing than trying to bring in sentiments against the governor.

Kam2021:
The choice of words tells the motive is not sincere from the opposition minister. Before carrying out the project did the minister inform the governor about it formally?The Peter Mbah that has moving up and down looking for investors will not bring down an investment opportunity.
The minister should do the right thing than trying to bring in sentiments against the governor.

The problem with most of thesw ministers is that they use every opportunity to grab people's land when doing projects. Almost all politicians are guilty of that. Anyway, we will get the details soon. But it would be shameful to the governor if he is guilty

Noblechykk:
The problem with most of thesw ministers is that they use every opportunity to grab people's land when doing projects. Almost all politicians are guilty of that. Anyway, we will get the details soon. But it would be shameful to the governor if he is guilty

Exactly, at the end the project may even not be done or even abandoned. He should carry the state governor along in the project. You can't undertake such project without the support of the sitting governor. This press release is more of an attack to the governor.Im yet to read how the governor is sabotaging the project.