The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to heed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent warning to state governors against embarking on unnecessary flyover projects.

The party also called on the Ebonyi State Government to disclose details of the governor’s recent nine-day investment trip to China, including the cost of the trip, members of the delegation and outcomes of the engagements.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abakaliki and signed by the PDP Publicity Secretary and spokesperson, Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, the party said the President’s comments had reinforced its concerns over what it described as misplaced priorities in the state.

Tinubu, while meeting traditional rulers from Oyo State, had advised governors to focus on infrastructure that directly addresses the needs of their people rather than constructing flyovers in areas where traffic does not warrant them.

Reacting to the remarks, the PDP alleged that the Nwifuru administration had committed significant public funds to projects including the VANCO Junction tunnel and flyover and the Nwezenyi tunnel and flyover, despite what it described as pressing infrastructure challenges across the state.

The party cited poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited access to potable water and deteriorating educational infrastructure among the challenges it said residents were still facing.

The PDP also questioned the state government’s spending priorities in light of increased allocations to states following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

It asked why, despite the reported increase in federal allocations, the Ebonyi Government had allegedly not delivered broader development projects across key sectors.

The opposition party further questioned whether adequate consultations were conducted with residents before the flyover projects were initiated and whether the projects represented the most urgent needs of the people.

On the governor’s China trip, the PDP demanded that the state government publish the names of all officials who participated in the delegation, the total cost of the visit, the investment engagements held and details of any agreements reached with prospective foreign investors.

It also requested information on the implementation timelines of any agreements and any financial obligations arising from commitments made on behalf of the state.

According to the party, taxpayers have a right to know how public funds are being spent and should be provided with documentary evidence of the outcomes of government-sponsored foreign trips.

The PDP further called on the state government to disclose the financial details of the ongoing tunnel and flyover projects and publish a comprehensive development roadmap outlining how its policies and projects would address the needs of Ebonyi residents.

The party said that with the 2027 elections approaching, rural communities would ultimately judge the administration by completed projects and the quality of public services delivered, particularly in road infrastructure and other basic amenities.

The Ebonyi State Government had not publicly responded to the PDP’s latest allegations as of the time of filing this report.

The administration has previously maintained that its infrastructure projects are intended to stimulate economic growth, improve transportation and modernise Abakaliki, the state capital.

The Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), Dr Ernest Mupwaya, has reiterated the company’s commitment to its employees as its most valuable asset.

MainPower, which is a subsidiary company of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), is in-charge of electricity distribution in Enugu State.

Mupwaya stated this when he received the team from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) on a courtesy visit to the company’s head office at Power House, Enugu, on Monday.

He stressed the importance of investing in human capital (employees) to achieve strategic goals in the highly regulated electricity distribution sector.

Mupwaya highlighted the critical role of professional human resource management in building resilient and high-performing organisations, noting that people remained the most valuable asset of any institution.

The MainPower boss identified effective leadership, workforce quality, organisational culture and talent development as key drivers of success in today’s dynamic business environment.

He also reaffirmed MainPower’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, innovation and customer focus as a young and evolving electricity distribution company.

According to him, having competent, motivated, and adaptable employees, supported by effective human resource leadership and professional institutions such as CIPM, is critical to driving organisational transformation and contributing to national development.

Mupwaya, on behalf of the management of MainPower, commended CIPM for its longstanding contributions to promoting excellence and ethical standards in human resource management across Nigeria.

He expressed the company’s interest in strengthening its collaboration with the Institute in areas including leadership development, workforce capacity building, succession planning and employee engagement.

Earlier, Chairman, CIPM, Enugu State Branch, Mr Francis Uka, who was accompanied by a member of CIPM’s Governing Council, Mr Christian Onwumeremadu, said the visit was part of the branch’s efforts to strengthen institutional relationships.

Uka said that visit was meant to promote professional interaction, and deepen the exchange of knowledge and experience in people management and contemporary workplace practices.

During the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to interact with some MainPower employees, particularly those in administration and operations-related roroles.

The CIPM team also shared insights on the importance of professional human resource management and encouraged eligible employees to join the Institute and take advantage of its professional development opportunities.

Present at the event were MainPower’s Head of Human Resources, Nkiru Chukwuma; Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Dr. Francis Iwu and Head of Customer Service, Ijeoma Ogudebe.

Others are Head of Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh; Managing Director, EastLand Electricity Distribution Limited, Engr. Nnamdi Chuka-Nwosu; and Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Obinna Nwachukwu among others.

By Chinedu Sabastine

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.

Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election

By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.

Umuchigbo community rejects ‘appointed’ monarch, insists on election

By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — Tension is mounting in Umuchigbo Iji Nike Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State as hundreds of indigenes have rejected the alleged appointment of a traditional ruler, insisting that only a transparent election can produce their Igwe.

The residents, who gathered at the community square on weekend, declared that the autonomous community has no recognised traditional ruler and appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to direct the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct an election in line with the community’s constitution.

The protest followed reports that Jude Agu had been presented as the community’s traditional ruler, a move the indigenes described as unconstitutional and capable of causing unrest.

The protesters also cited a subsisting interlocutory injunction of the Enugu State High Court restraining Jude Agu from parading himself as Igwe or Igwe-elect of the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order, delivered on July 25, 2025, by Justice A.A. Onovo in a suit No E/491/2023 filed by Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete against Jude Agu and Hon. Kenneth Mbah, directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is determined.

The indigenes argued that recognising any monarch without an election amounted to disregarding both the community’s constitution and a valid court order.

Addressing journalists, community elder Chief Gabriel Okoh accused former Town Union Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Mbah, of frustrating an earlier election process.

“Umuchigbo people are against imposition. All we want is election. If Jude Agu wants to be Igwe, he should come to the village square and contest like every other aspirant,” he said.

Youth leader Anthony Ikechukwu Anike warned that imposing a monarch without the consent of the people could trigger avoidable tension.

“The matter is still in court, yet we are hearing that someone has received a staff of office. We will pursue every legal means to protect our rights. The government should come and conduct a transparent election,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, retired Permanent Secretary Chief Maurice Nonyelum Ekete said the community’s constitution clearly prescribes election as the only legitimate process for selecting an Igwe.

“Our demand is simple. Let the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs conduct an election as it has done in other communities. Whoever wins should become the Igwe. We are not against anybody; we are against imposition. We are not against anybody becoming Igwe. We are only saying that whoever wants the throne should submit to a transparent election.” Chief Ekete said.

Other aspirants, Chief Joseph Iloka and Chief Josephat Ezeoha, also backed the call for a transparent election, insisting that the people should be allowed to freely choose their traditional ruler.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs were unsuccessful.