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Tag: Peter Mbah

  • Gov Mbah sends message to aggrieved PDP members

    Gov Mbah sends message to aggrieved PDP members

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has appealed to aggrieved PDP members to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing reconciliation process to come back to the party.

    The governor also called for peace and unity among the members of  PDP in the Southeast Zone and the entire country.

    Mbah made the appeals when he received members of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee,led by a  former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at the Enugu Government House on Thursday.

    The PDP National Reconciliation Committee visited  the governor to brief him on efforts  being made by the committee to resolve a number of issues in the party.

    Mbah, who described Enugu as the bastion of PDP, enjoined the committee to ensure genuine and lasting peace with a view to bringing back  aggrieved members into the party.

    He insisted that the only way the party could win elections was through a united front, built on true reconciliation and justice.

    Mbah further added that the party in the Southeast operated as  members of the same  family.

    He stressed that the party in the zone had done extensive work to ensure those who left the party were brought back.

    “We also believe that the Southeast is a stronghold of the PDP and if we have people who are out now, it is not necessarily their desire to be out. So, what we need at this time is to bring back our aggrieved members to where they belong.

    “The PDP is still largely the party with the spread that is required to win any election in this country and still appeals to the people of this country.

    “I have no doubt in mind that those our brothers who are just waiting for moments like this will be brought back to where they belong and we can forge a strong alliance going into the next general elections,” the governor added.

    Speaking earlier, the PDP National Reconciliation Committee Chairman said that the disunity in the party was one of the reasons the party lost the 2023 presidential election and other election cycles in the country.

    Oyinilola appealed to aggrieved  members of the party in the Southeast to sheathe their swords and embrace the idea behind the peace and reconciliation process for the good of the party.

    According to him, Nigerians need to invest their trust in PDP to do things right in the country.

    Also speaking, the State Party Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, said the reconciliation move would rejig the party’s ongoing efforts in the state and bring back disgruntled members.

    He expressed optimism in the leadership of Mbah , noting that the party was already witnessing mass return of members who had  left for other parties.

  • Enugu govt expands tax net to capture all tax payers

    Enugu govt expands tax net to capture all tax payers

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State says his administration is working to expand its tax net to include residents who have not been paying taxes.

    Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, stated this at the 51st Annual General Meeting of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (ECCIMA) on Thursday in Enugu.

    While acknowledging marginal increase of tax by the state government, the governor said, “Part of what we are trying to do is to expand the tax net so that those who have not been paying can start paying something.

    “Why we are trying to expand the tax net is to enable everyone to contribute, no matter how little, to create a system that is structured and put everybody in same platform so that investors and investments can come into the state.

    “I agree there has been a marginal increase of tax but part of the people we have are those that have benefited from the system when we have lapses.”

    Mbah explained that what his administration did was simply to block the loopholes and leakages from those people who had benefitted from the process that had some lacuna.

    He added that from what they did, payment of taxes were now seamless and technology driven whereby multiple taxation were eliminated.

    The governor said that it had removed those who had no business with revenue collection from taking advantage of the system.

    According to him, part of the indices that form decision of the multilateral institutions and businesses to invest in a state is about their tax system.

    “So a state where most of the people are not making contributions as tax, showed that their economy is not structured.

    “With what we did, partners and investment are now coming in to invest in places like Nike Lake Hotel, palm oil, the president coming to inaugurate some of our projects and we have interested parties in almost all the sectors.

    “I sympathize with those who complain about our tax system and as a government, we are willing to listen to those complaints,” he said.

    He urged the ECCIMA President, Mr Odeiga Jideonwo, to dialogue with the state government not just about taxation but about all things affecting businesses in the state.

    “We need a lot of advice from them to sharpen and having input in our policies and administration efforts to make Enugu a better place for investment and expand their own opportunities to grow and thrive”.

    He explained that as business people faced challenges due to subsidy removal that resulted in hike in pump price, government also faced same but prioritised theirs by investing in critical infrastructure to make Enugu business friendly.

    Earlier, the ECCIMA President, Jideonwo, praised the consolidated efforts of Enugu State Government to improve the state business environment.

    He commended the tax policy of the state government that had brought more people into the tax net of the government, appealing that effort should be made to launch a one stop shop, unified tax payment system for the state.

    This, he said, would prevent multiple payment of same tax to the state and Local government at the same time.

    He urged Mbah to facilitate the opening of the new International Terminal building at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, stressing that the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair would hold on April 4.

    The ECCIMA Board of Trustee member, Mr Rob Anwatu, decried increase in taxes by the state government, and appealed to it to spread its tax net to accommodate those who had not been paying taxes than overburden those paying theirs.

    “Last year, daily E-ticket per truck was N1,700 but this year, it has increased to N4,000. I want government to involve us in certain decisions,” he appealed.

  • Mbah focused, doing very well, says Tinubu in Enugu

    Mbah focused, doing very well, says Tinubu in Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has extolled Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his leadership and commitment to development, describing him as a “focused and result-oriented leader”.

    Tinubu made the commendation during his first official visit to Enugu on Saturday where he inaugurated several projects.

    He said that Mbah was doing a fantastic job and he was glad that Enugu was making great strides.

    “I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You’ve built a solid team, and I’ve reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja.

    “You’ve impressed me with the technological advancements in the state and the support you’ve garnered from the private sector. I know your background, he said.

    Tinubu called for unity across political divides, urging leaders to focus on the nation’s progress.

    “The election is over, and we have to move the nation forward. You’ve shown an unshakable commitment to human development. I don’t care which party you belong to; you’re my friend.

    “You’re doing well and staying focused. Together, we must build this house called Nigeria, not just for today, but for tomorrow too,” he said.

    The president also addressed his administration’s controversial removal of fuel subsidies, stating that it was important for the nation’s future.

    “That’s why the removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary. We can’t spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Let’s not bankrupt the nation before they’re even born,” he said.

    The president commended Mbah’s focus on security and investment in safety measures, particularly the establishment of the Distress Response Squad.

    “I’m proud of Nigeria, and Mbah is proud of Nigeria. He’s doing everything possible to provide security and attract investors locally and internationally.

    “There’s no better investment than securing lives. I saw those cars for the Distress Response Squad, it’s the right move,” he noted.

    He encouraged the people of Enugu to support Mbah in his development efforts.

    “Please continue to work with your son, brother, and friend, Peter Mbah. He’s truly committed to driving Enugu forward and being a positive symbol for the southeast,” he advised.

    The president earlier inaugurated some projects physically and virtually built by Gov Mbah including 30 Smart Green Schools,  International Conference Center, 19 kilometer urban roads and 150 Distress Response vehicles.

  • Tinubu leaves Lagos for Enugu at Gov Mbah’s invitation

    Tinubu leaves Lagos for Enugu at Gov Mbah’s invitation

    President Bola Tinubu will make its first official visit to Enugu State on Saturday to inaugurate some projects executed by the Governor Peter Mbah administration.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu, who has been in Lagos State for the Christmas and New Year holidays, was invited by Governor Mbah for inauguration of the projects.

    Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    Onyia said, “The Enugu State Government is happy to announce the first state visit to the state by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Saturday, January 4, 2025.

    “The president will during the visit inaugurate some of the numerous projects executed by our administration, such as the 30 completed and equipped Enugu Smart Green Schools out of the 260 under construction across the state.

    “Others are 60 completed and equipped Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the 260 under construction across the 260 wards in the state and the completed multi-auditorium and multi-functional Enugu International Conference Centre.

    “They also included 90 completed urban roads in Enugu City, state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre as well as 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-embedded surveillance cameras”.

    The statement also added that Tinubu would additionally inaugurate some of the completed rural roads during the one-day visit.

  • Gov Mbah frees 7 inmates, pardons one on parole

    Gov Mbah frees 7 inmates, pardons one on parole

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has granted various forms of prerogative of mercy to eight inmates of the Correctional Centres in the state on parole.

    This is contained in a statement released by the Governor’s Media Aide, Mr Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.

    Anichukwu said the decision was communicated to the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, Mr. Nicholas Obiako, in a letter dated Dec. 31, 2024.

    He said that the letter was signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Victor Udeh.

    According to him, Mbah had exercised his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    He added that in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State, granted various forms of Prerogative of Mercy to the following convicts in the Correctional Centres in Enugu State.

    “A breakdown of the reprieves shows that Mbah approved the release, subject to a one-year parole, of eight inmates who have spent substantial parts of their jail terms for various offences.

    “One offender was granted pardon subject also to a one-year parole, having spent part of his five-year jail term for contempt of court and equally purged himself of the contempt,” Anichukwu said.

    He added that the decision was also subject to reports of proven reform in character, ability to reintegrate with the society having possessed or learnt some productive skills.

    He said that it also followed the recommendation by the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

  • Gov Mbah Signs 2025 budget of N971bn into law

    Gov Mbah Signs 2025 budget of N971bn into law

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Tuesday, signed into law the N971 billion appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year.

    The event took place at the Government House with the members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Mr Uchenna Ugwu, and some top government functionaries in attendance.

    The budget comprises N837.9 billion Capital Expenditure, representing 86 per cent of the budget, and a Recurrent Expenditure component of N133 billion, representing 14 per cent of the budget.

    The education sector got N320.6 billion representing 33 per cent and largest share of the total budget for the second consecutive year.

    Signing the budget, Mbah thanked the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the budget, describing it as a “massive Christmas gift” to the people of the state.

    “What we are witnessing here today is democracy in action. We christened our budget, “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity”, because it is at the heart of everything we do in the state.

    “If you look at the development model adopted, it is one that takes into account the development challenges we have across our state and we have the responsibility to make sure that nobody or section of the state is left out.

    “In terms of growth, we recognised very early that incremental growth model will not cut it for us. The rest of the world will not wait for us and development is not something that you wish into existence. You must be very intentional about it.

    “So, our growth strategy is the one that adopts an exponential growth model,” Mbah said.

    He assured the people of the state, that by January 1, 2025, they would march towards Enugu’s greatness and development.

    In his remark, the speaker, Mr Ugwu,  attributed the sustenance and early passage of the budget to the involvement of the parliament in the budget preparation.

    “We were part of the process that produced those figures in the first place because we were carried along.

    “We did not have to change anything because behind closed-doors, we had done the job already before the budget was presented.

    “So, there is no point changing anything. The assurance to Enugu people is that we shall continue to have it good,” he stated.

    He commended Mbah for the high performance of the 2024 budget, and pledged that that the house would effectively exercise its oversight powers in its implementation.

  • Gov Mbah presents Enugu’s 2025 budget

    Gov Mbah presents Enugu’s 2025 budget

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has presented 2025 budget of N971.84 billion to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Mbah presented the budget tagged, “Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity” on Tuesday at the Legislative complex in Enugu.

    He said that his administration sought to lay a right foundation to enhance economy growth of the state.

    Mbah said that the 2025 budget estimate was over N450 billion higher than 2024 budget of N521.5 billion, representing 86.4 per cent increase.

    He pointed out that the budget was in line with his administration’s vision to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, which he noted was achievable.

    Giving the breakdown of the budget, the governor revealed that N133.1 billion of the budget would go into recurrent expenditures while N837.9 billion would be spent on capital expenditures.

    On the sectorial budget, he said that N320.6 billion of the budget would go into education; N260 billion to Works and Infrastructure;N82 billion to Agriculture; N45 billion to Health while Sports sector would get N13 billion.

    He said that the capital budget would be channeled to the completion of 260 smart schools, ultra-modern hospitals,first phase of New Enugu City, dualisation of Abakpa-Opi Nsukka road, and upgrade of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

    According to Mbah, the four bus terminals at the Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Garriki and Nsukka would be commissioned on Dec. 22, while the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, would be launched in few weeks from now.

    On the review on the 2024 budget, the governor disclosed that as of October, the current budget had achieved 88.6 per cent, which he said was a big achievement to his administration.

    He added that the state generated N107bn internal revenue, which he maintained was expected to grow to over N500 billion and gave the assurance that no part of the state would be left out.

    Receiving the budget, the Speaker of the House, Chief Uche Ugwu said that the House would start the process of passing the appropriation bill in record time.

    Ugwu urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to come for their budget defence for more clarity on their budget estimates.

  • Miss Universe Nigeria bags juicy appointment with Enugu govt

    Miss Universe Nigeria bags juicy appointment with Enugu govt

    The Enugu governor, Peter Mbah has appointed the recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina,  as the state ambassador.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the governor on Thursday hosted the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria and her father Okechukwu Onwe at the government house in Enugu.

    During the visit, the governor praised Chidimma’s “resilience and determination”, describing her as a “true representation of the people of Enugu”.

    Mbah noted that Chidimma’s potential to inspire young people, sharing her experiences and encouraging them to pursue their goals.

    He also assured the state government’s support for her upcoming participation in the international Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

    “Your story is inspiring. You could see that despite all attempts to malign and discourage you, you demonstrated that you are a true daughter of Enugu State. You overcame those challenges with the grit and resilience the people of Enugu State are known for,” he said.

    “With the height and the feat you have attained today, you can act as a major influence to our young people, girls in particular. We will look at how you could engage some of our young people, share your experience, what you have been through, and how you got to where you are today. Sharing that will be quite inspiring and encouraging.”

    On her part, Chidimma expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu for their warm welcome. She commended Mbah for prioritizing education in the state. She also stated her readiness to serve as a beacon of hope to young women.

    “I do feel that my story is a very powerful one, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. A lot of youths can resonate with my story and they can learn from my journey,” she said.

  • Gov Mbah swears-in 17 newly elected LG Chairmen

    Gov Mbah swears-in 17 newly elected LG Chairmen

    Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Monday, swore in 17 newly elected Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, charging them to transform their areas for the benefit of rural dwellers.

    The Chairmen and LGAs are Jude Chinedu Asogwa, Nsukka; Joel Onyemaechi, Enugu South; Ugo Ukwueze, Igboeze South; Obiora Obeagu, Isi-Uzo; Dr Ibenaku Onoh, Enugu North;  Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, Aninri; Dr Eric Odo, Igbo-Etiti; and Akachukwu Eze, Udenu.

    Others are Dr Uche Ogalla, Igboeze North; Chijioke Ezugwu, Uzo Uwani; Hyginus Agu, Udi; Uche Okoro, Awgu; Belove Dan Anike, Enugu East; John Ogbodo, Nkanu West; Vitals Ndu, Ezeagu; and Sydney Edeh, Nkanu East.

    Mbah, performing the ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, before the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, Dr Kingsley Udeh,  described their emergence as deserved victories.

    He noted that there were challenges across all sectors, and as such, the state had no tolerance for local government chairmen who did not govern from the their council areas.

    The governor said that the talking and campaign as well as honeymoon were over, and it was time for them to walk the talk.

    “What you did here today is executing your own part of the social contract that you have with the people. Those promises that you made to them, this is time for action.

    “It is time for you to think out of the box on how to creatively generate wealth, employment, source for money to deal with all the developmental challenges within your council areas,” he said.

    He admonished them to lead people+focused government by ensuring that people were at the centre of their governance module, as well as nurturing a sense of inclusion to banish feelings of alienation.

    Mbah also charged them to ensure peace and security in their council areas, saying the state had zero tolerance for crime.

    “Things like potable water, in the 21st century, should be made available for communities, and it is your duty to ensure that every community and home have access to it.

    “Think of other basic amenities like rural electrification and renewable energy. You have to go through pain with them, work with them to develop strategies and solutions that can solve their problems.”

    Responding, the Chairman Nkanu East Local Government Area, Sydney Edeh, expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to serve with the governor.

    “For us to be elected to work under your government is a mark indelible. We are fully charged to serve and will not let you down,” Edeh said.

    Obiora Obeagu of Isi- Uzo Council Area, also promised that he would deliver on his mandate by meeting the demands of the people.

  • Enugu state governor Mbah renames road after music icon, Ejeagha

    Enugu state governor Mbah renames road after music icon, Ejeagha

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has renamed the Obinagu Road reconstructed by his administration after folktale music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha.

    Mbah, commissioned four roads in the Abakpa Nike area of Enugu including Mike Ejeagha Crescent, noted that the state government deemed it wise to celebrate the nonagenarian while he is still alive.

    Governor Mbah inaugurates the reconstructed Obinagu Road renamed after music icon Mike Ejeagha. X/@PNMbah
    Describing the event as fulfillment of his administration’s social contract entered into with the people of the state, Governor Mbah also reiterated his administration’s commitment to embarking on several human orientated projects.

    He also paid homage to the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha in his residence where he demonstrated the state government’s gratitude for the gift of people of his kind to the state.

    “In recognition of Mike Ejeagha’s immense contributions to the cultural heritage of Enugu State, we have renamed Obinagu Road, leading to his residence and reconstructed earlier in the year, to Mike Ejeagha Road,” Mbah said.

    “Enugu is a state rich in history, talent, and culture. It is our duty to honour and celebrate those who have shaped our identity. Today, our government extends full support to Mike Ejeagha, taking responsibility for his upkeep as part of our commitment to preserving the legacies of our indigenous legends.

    “To the residents of Abakpa and Enugu State, we assure you that this is just the beginning. We have recently awarded contracts for the construction of 141 roads and 20 rural roads, and Abakpa is certainly included.”

    “Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Road, extending all the way to Opi-Nsukka. The contract has been awarded, and work will commence shortly.

    “Our commitment to transforming Enugu State is unwavering, with many more roads and projects underway to enhance the lives of our people.”

    Ejeagha’s 1983 “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” song gained popularity due to a viral dance challenge initiated by comedian Brain Jotter.