Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared that the days of forced sit-at-home in the state are over, assuring residents, investors, and professionals that security and stability have been fully restored.
Speaking at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference in Enugu, Governor Mbah told lawyers and stakeholders that his administration has dismantled the fear-driven restrictions that crippled social and economic life in the past.
“When we came into government two years ago, everyone was compelled to sit at home on Mondays, whether they liked it or not, because of the threat of violence. Today, anyone who wishes to work or trade is free to do so in peace and safety. Nobody is under compulsion anymore,” he said.
The governor emphasized that while individuals may still choose to stay at home for personal or political reasons, the state has ensured that law-abiding citizens and businesses can operate without fear.
Governor Mbah used the opportunity to reaffirm his government’s respect for judicial independence. He noted that Enugu judiciary’s funding is drawn directly from the consolidated revenue account, and their needs are captured and implemented through the state budget. He explained that whatever is approved in the budget for the judiciary is implemented to the letter, adding that budget review processes were already ongoing to address institutional needs, including logistics and infrastructure.
The governor also reiterated his earlier appeal for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. “My very first visit to the president after my swearing-in was to discuss Kanu’s case. I still believe the right thing to do is to release him,” he told the gathering, drawing attention to the need for reconciliation and justice.
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Enugu’s $30bn Economic Vision
Governor Mbah unveiled his ambitious plan to grow Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, anchored on disruptive innovation and private sector-led growth. He explained that the administration is targeting a 27% compound annual growth rate, describing the plan as bold but achievable.
“Our goal is to reduce poverty from the 58% we inherited to zero. To do that, we must disrupt the status quo, think differently, and build the fundamentals that attract investment. We are also working to position Enugu as the preferred destination, with a target of three million visitors by 2027,” he said.
The governor revealed that 55% of the state budget is dedicated to education and healthcare, describing social services as the backbone of his poverty eradication strategy. “In two years, we are building 7,000 classrooms, each equipped with modern digital facilities. The real investment is going into our people – education, healthcare, and social empowerment,” he said.
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Governor Mbah assured the NBA and other stakeholders that his administration is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. “A $30 billion economy is not child’s play, but we know what it takes. We are already connecting the dots – from infrastructure to security, from education to healthcare – to make Enugu a hub of investment and opportunity,” he declared.
