For years, Obiagu existed in the shadows of Enugu’s bustling city centre—alive with people, trade and nightlife, yet weighed down by neglect. Today, hope is returning, and for one young woman, Nweke Chinemerem Abigail, that hope was too powerful to keep silent.
Standing amid visible changes in her neighbourhood, Abigail took to social media to document what she described as a turning point for Obiagu, a densely populated area at the heart of Enugu metropolis. Her video, which has since gone viral, captures more than construction work—it tells the story of a community finally being seen.
“God has finally judged Obiagu,” she exclaimed in the emotional video, her words reflecting years of frustration and longing for government attention. To her and many residents, the intervention of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, signals the end of abandonment and the beginning of renewal.
Obiagu is home to thousands of low-income earners who have learned to survive amid poor infrastructure. Yet, in spite of its challenges, the area has always pulsed with life. It is a major commercial hub, renowned for its printing presses, newspaper offices, and vibrant street trading. From dawn until late night, the neighbourhood hums with activity, serving as a backbone for Enugu’s informal economy.
Residents say the irony was painful: a community so central, yet so overlooked.
“We live in the middle of the capital, but we felt like we didn’t belong to the city,” one trader told this reporter. “People came here to work and make money, but nobody cared how we lived.”
The renewed government intervention has begun to change that narrative. Though details of the project are still unfolding, the visible improvements have ignited a sense of dignity among residents who say they had resigned themselves to permanent neglect.
For Abigail, the changes represent more than physical development—they symbolize recognition.
“This is about the poor being remembered,” she said in the video. “It gives us hope that our lives matter too.”
As Obiagu slowly sheds its slum identity, the story of one young woman’s gratitude has become the voice of many. In her joy lies a simple but powerful message: development is not just about roads and buildings—it is about restoring belief to people who thought they had been forgotten.

Picture shows work in progress in Obiagu. Thanks Mr. Governor

By PETRUS OBI.

Dear Governor,

I am writing because I have no option here.

Your Excellency, In case you are not aware, so many people, political observers, critics, journalists,  saved, not only your inaugural speech at the Okpara Square on May 29, 2023,  but also your manifesto.

Your promises were not just humongous, they sounded unattainable, unrealistic or even imaginary. They sounded like the usual promises from Nigerian politicians and leaders, and, many have waited to see how things turn out as years roll by.

Advertisement

Recently, I woke up to read from an Anambra critic – Odera (Pen of the gods); the piece was titled “Warning to Governor Mbah of Enugu.” He wrote:
‘Sir, I would have told you is not friendly advise but I told you is friendly.
‘What you are doing is not friendly at all , yes, you are a bully; let me explain.

‘Anambara is supposed to be Enugu’s senior and big brother, but the intimidation you are meting out to us is humiliating.

‘Okay, let me not comment on the transformation you are giving Enugu State without cho Cho cho (noise)…you simply brought another one which I won’t support.

‘Anambara was the first to battle Criminals in our bushes with Agû na Eche Mba, even though with Egbe chakakpom (inferior) and now you have given your own Vigilante, Guns which three will buy all the ‘chakabula’ we use in our state.
‘My anger is that if you chase all the criminals away from Enugu, they will come to Anambara and turn it “Home for all criminals.

‘So Sir, I plead that at times you allow your men to stroll into Anambara and show us some love. We agree that you pass us on good Governance, kindly have mercy and throw some security around us.

Advertisement

‘I come on bended knees. I am Mazi Odera POg JP, known as Mkpisi Ndi Egede or Dibia ónu ike.’

The Anambra based writer was referring to the recent sophisticated crime fighting equipment you added to what was already on ground.
If Odera, Pen Of The gods, was trembling over what the people of Enugu are already getting used to, one wonders what his reactions would be when he learns of your approval to constrct and reconstruct all urban roads in Enugu.

A government statement says this is in line with your administration’s target to pave all the roads in Enugu metropolis before the end of your first term in office.

“We have done the first phase, which was over 90 roads. We have also done phase two, which also exceeded the earlier planned 141 urban roads. So, we are now in phase three. Here, we are going to award contracts that will cover all the roads that are yet to be paved in Enugu metropolis.

“These roads cut across New GRA, Old GRA, Emene Zone, Abakpa Zone, Thinkers Corner, Airport Corner, Upper Meniru in Awkunanaw, Idaw River Layout, Gariki, Maryland, Achara Layout, Uwani, One Day and Upper One Day, Trans Ekulu, Independence Layout, Independence Layout Phase II, Coal Camp Zone, Pocket Layout, as well as Ogui and Asata Zone, among other places. We want to cover the uncovered areas roads in the Enugu metropolis,” he said.

Returning to your inaugural speech, I found answers to some questions.

Advertisement

You said; “For six months, I traversed the length and breadth of Enugu State visiting the 68 development centres. During this time, I listened to you, saw your challenges in the midst of considerable resources and felt your pains….
“There is no doubting Enugu’s capacity to recreate the iconic wonderment of economic prosperity and phenomenal growth witnessed in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Our will is strong and unshakeable. We are also acutely aware that where there is a will, there is always a way. When their forebears conceived the models of Dubai and Singapore some few decades ago, they too began to sow their tomorrow like a tiny seed as we are doing today. At that moment, the conceivers of the dreams appeared like some theatre jesters. Today, those countries have become models of the wondrous depth of human capacity.
“We will pursue an infrastructural revolution in Enugu State by turning our state into one huge construction site. We will prioritize road construction and infrastructural renewal ensuring that our roads are well paved. Where necessary we shall construct flyovers and dualise roads as a remedy to any gridlocks.

“Our approach to tackling insecurity in Enugu State will be by adopting the kinetic and non-kinetic models and approaches. We will strengthen community policing architecture; neighbourhood watch and forest guards. In this mode, we will deploy modern technology such as CCTV cameras and others, as well as establishing a command-and-control centre in Enugu State, so as to track perpetrators of crime who we will pursue and bring to justice.

Your Excellency, you must be wondering where my problem with you lies.
It lies in your pace which appears too fast for so many people who never believed its possible.
It could be found in the fact that you are proving doubting Thomas’s wrong so early in the day.
It lies in records that may be difficult to match, especially for some of us who would want to be Governor tomorrow.

It also lies in Odera’s fears and alleged ‘intimidation.’
But, are these really problems?
If the answer is in the negative, then I ask to be forgiven for choice of words.

Yours Faithfully,

Petrus Obi.

Advertisement

Share your views on governance in Enugu through Good Morning Mr Governor

WhatsApp: 08035494795

Email: petrusobi@gmail.com

Advertisement

Fresh tension is brewing in Enugu South Local Government Area as the people of Obeagu Awkunanaw Community have raised alarm over alleged plans to forcefully take over their ancestral land and renewed markings on their buildings by officials said to be from the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).

In separate petitions to Governor Peter Mbah, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Chairman of ECTDA, the community alleged a “renewed plot” to unleash mayhem and resume demolitions reminiscent of what they described as “the massive destruction and misery” of January 2024.

The petitions were jointly signed by Hon. Mike Ogbonna, President General; Reuben N. Okafor, Secretary General; and Chief Christian Egbo, Traditional Prime Minister of Obeagu Community.

In a strongly worded protest letter dated October 6, 2025, and addressed to the ECTDA Chairman, the community expressed shock over what they called “a worrisome development” involving unidentified persons who claimed to be officials from the authority and allegedly marked several structures in the area for removal.

“We were shocked, to say the least, when we observed a handful of persons who, without proper identification but upon our prodding later identified themselves as officials from your office, were sent to mark some of our structures for removal,” the community wrote.

“While we hope this is not a prelude to another round of demolition akin to the massive destruction and misery caused us by the very act of last year (2024), we still tenaciously hold the view that you acted deliberately to frustrate and render nugatory the prosecution of our pending suits,” the letter added.

Advertisement

The community reminded the ECTDA Chairman of pending court cases relating to the disputed land, particularly Suit No. E/1081/2019 and E/263/2020, both of which, they said, remain unresolved.

“Given all the processes and documents herein brought to your attention, you are now properly guided and well equipped to resist the temptation of taking further action or steps which are clearly subjudice and patently lawless,” the letter further read.

In another petition dated October 5, 2025, addressed to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the community raised what they described as an “S.O.S.” over alleged plans by the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, retired DCP Olasoji Akinbayo, to deploy his men for a “forceful takeover” of their communal land in concert with “vicious land grabbers.”

“We alert Your Excellency to an information at our disposal to the effect that the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, retired DCP Olasoji Akinbayo, acting in concert with some vicious land grabbers who are his friends, is allegedly mustering about four units of Forest Guard members under his command to invade our communal/ancestral land,” the petition stated.

The community accused the former police officer of having a long history of “victimization and brutalization” against them during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Enugu State Command.

Advertisement

“Our community was visibly placed under siege as the said retired DCP Olasoji, at the behest of his paymasters, the land grabbers, used truckloads of police officers to garrison our community, arresting and hurriedly arraigning some hapless members on trumped-up charges. Funnily, none of the charges was sustained in court,” the letter read.

While praising Governor Mbah for his “top-notch infrastructural and developmental strides,” the community urged him to investigate the alleged plot and call the Forest Guard Commander to order to avert what they described as “a looming breakdown of law and order.”

“Act fast, Sir, to avert any breakdown of law and order. A stitch in time saves nine,” they urged the governor.

Similarly, in a separate petition to the Inspector General of Police, also dated October 5, 2025, and copied to the AIG, FCID Annex, Enugu, the community expressed fears that retired DCP Olasoji was planning to use the Forest Guard as a substitute for the police to achieve his alleged objectives, following the IGP’s recent directive warning officers against involvement in land disputes.

“It is easy to discern that resort to the members of the Forest Guard by retired DCP Olasoji and his co-conspirators is certainly as a result of your stern warning to members of the Police Force against interference in land matters,” the petition read.

Advertisement

“We strongly believe the source of information about this pending attack against our community as it were, by retired DCP Olasoji, to be reliable, credible and actionable,” it added.

As of the time of filing this report, none of the accused parties, the ECTDA, the Forest Guard Commander, or the Enugu State Government, had officially responded to the allegations.

…I have done nothing to deserve suspension – Igwe Ikenna

The people of Amankanu Community in Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State have protested against the recent suspension of their traditional ruler seeking the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah.

The aggrieved villagers including youths, elders and women gathered at the market square Monday to express anger over the development.

They have also appealed to the Governor to intervene and stop those allegedly trying to instigate crisis in Amankanu.

The villagers carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Igwe Okeke Arum, leave Amankanu community alone!, A tyrant from Owo cannot take over a peaceful community!, Igwe cannot be suspended without trial!, Leave our king alone!,

They also fingered the Commissioner for Chieftaincy, Hon. Okey Ogbodo as part of the gang up against the community and their traditional ruler.

Speaking at the rally, the oldest man in Amankanu, Elias Ogbodo-Ani, stated that Igwe Bennett had never wronged his people but had instead sacrificed his personal resources to ensure peace and unity in the community.

Advertisement

“Igwe Amankanu is Ezeudo; he does not rule with force but leads with wisdom. I urge the government to disregard the false information being spread by enemies of our community who want to take over Amankanu and oppress us.

“We want our Igwe to continue leading us until his natural death, like other monarchs. In any contest, one person must win. Igwe won fairly and has never forcefully taken anyone’s land since assuming the throne.

“He was the one who built the two bridges that our community uses to cross the river, even before he became Igwe. Those plotting to remove him should be careful because it is God who makes kings.”

The women leader, Mrs. Uchenna Ngene, expressed disappointment over what she described as an evil plot to remove Igwe Bennett stressing that no one else was fit to wear the crown.

The youth leader, Livinus Agbo, also appealed to Governor Mbah to set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against Igwe Bennett before taking any action.

He further called on the Governor to intervene and order the so-called “Hunter Association”, set up by the traditional ruler of Mburu-Owo in Amankanu, to leave their land.

Advertisement

“We, the youths, have never seen or heard that Igwe Bennett forcefully took anyone’s land or sold it for personal gain. The money realized from the only land that was sold was shared among the five kindreds under government supervision.

“We are asking the government to come to our aid. A traditional ruler cannot go to another community, set up a security outfit, arm them, and call them ‘Hunters’ with the intent to intimidate us.

“Okeke Arum has been using this security outfit to arrest our youths, yet we have remained silent to maintain peace. But let it not be assumed that our silence is weakness. We do not want what happened in Oruku to happen here. The only security outfits we recognize are the Neighborhood Watch and the Forest Guard. The so-called ‘Hunters’ security force should leave our land,” he said.

Speaking, the traditional ruler HRH Igwe Bennett Ikenna defended his position saying, “I have not done anything to deserve suspension as the traditional ruler of Amankanu. If anyone has evidence of my wrongdoing, let them bring it forward.”

He refuted allegations made by Dr. George Nwachi, the traditional ruler of Mburu-Owo Autonomous Community, HRH Igwe Okeke Arum, and others, describing them as “lies from the pit of hell.”

Advertisement

To prove his innocence, the traditional has suggested an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the matter and urged Governor Mbah to engage both parties to uncover the truth.

“I have not committed any wrongdoing in Amankanu; rather, I stand firmly to protect my people from land grabbers. Now, I am accused of being a land grabber and of high-handedness towards my people by those trying to instigate chaos in our community. They claim to be the governor’s brothers, but as long as we are from Nkanu East, we are all his brothers.

“George Nwachi is a major problem in our community. He never visits, yet he colludes with others to write petitions against me. I challenge the people of Amankanu: if I have ever sold anyone’s land and pocketed the money, let them present the evidence.

“I am saying this so the world can hear me. I cannot allow anybody to overrule my community or impose leadership on us. Is there any contest where a winner does not emerge? Peter Mbah and Edoga contested the governorship of Enugu State, and Mbah won. Should Edeoga now dictate to Mbah? The same applies here—they are trying to remove me without cause. I have wronged no one.

“If there are issues in this community, they are caused by those who never return home. I know the problems of my people. The land they claim I grabbed was mapped out for a secondary school. Can a school or market be built in the air?

Advertisement

“I have not wronged anyone, but Okeke Arum vowed—even before Peter Mbah took office—that he would remove me as the traditional ruler of Amankanu. I am saying this so the world can hear me. The governor is our governor and brother. No one can deny the progress Peter Mbah has brought to Enugu State, especially to Amankanu. If someone had told me a road would pass through Amankanu, I wouldn’t have believed it, but today, Peter Mbah has made it a reality.

“When my people wanted to protest at the Government House, I stopped them because I did not want it to seem like we were opposing the government or causing trouble. I am content with what the governor is doing in the state.

The monarch however accused Arum of allegedly setting up security outfit called ‘hunters’ in Amankanu, where he is incharge, to allegedly perfect his evil intention,, regretting that he has been using them to attack and arrest his people.

He also alleged that Arum connived with Hon Okey Ogbodo to set up town union caretaker committee of Amankanu at Ogbodo’s office without his consent as the traditional ruler.

Observations: It is our humble submission that this matter deserves a closer look by His Excellency.

Advertisement

The idea of an independent panel as suggested in the community’s appeal may be considered. This would provide a level platform for all to be heard.

May it please Your Excellency.

Advertisement

The on going Infrastructural turnaround in Enugu is gradually becoming a reality. Before now many were sceptical if the ambitious projects promised by Governor Peter Mbah were realisable.

While other governors celebrated their first 100 days in Office it appeared Enugu had nothing to celebrate. But the Governor who appeared focused was working on building a solid foundation for the eventual take-off of the execution stage.

And just few months later President Bola Tinubu was visiting to commission numerous projects to the surprise of many including the Minister of Works Dave Umahi who, was himself a master-project Governor during his time in Ebonyi.

Projects commissioned by the president were the 30 completed and equipped Enugu Smart Green Schools out of 260 under construction across the 260 wards in the state, 60 completed and equipped Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres out of the 260 under construction across the 260 wards in the state, completed multi-auditorium and multi-functional Enugu International Conference Centre, 90 completed urban roads in Enugu City, and a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre/150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-embedded surveillance cameras.

President Bola Tinubu heaped encomiums on Dr. Peter Mbah, over his development strides, declaring that the governor had done a fantastic job so far.

Tinubu said the election was over and called for collaborations across party lines and tiers of government to build the nation.

Advertisement

The President gave the commendation during a one-day state visit to the South East state where he also commissioned some of the numerous development projects executed by Governor Mbah in the past 19 months.

“He is doing a fantastic job. I am glad that Enugu got a very good tomorrow, today. I salute Peter Mbah for his commitment to development. You have built up a good team and I have reviewed a number of things with you in Abuja. You have encouraged me on the technological advancement of the state. The commitment you have from private sector. I know your background.

“The election is over and we have to move the nation forward. You have demonstrated that irrevocable commitment towards human development.

“I don’t care which party you come from. You are my friend. You are doing well and very focused. We must build this house called Nigeria to not just satisfy our immediate need, but our tomorrow too. That’s why the removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary. We cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they’re born.

“I am very proud of Nigeria. Mbah is proud of Nigeria. He is doing everything possible to provide security, attracting foreign investors, and other investors locally. There’s no better investment than the investment to secure lives. I saw those cars, the Distress Response Squad. It is the way to go.

“Please, continue to cooperate and collaborate with your son, brother and friend here, Mbah, who is really committed to push the development of Enugu State and be a good symbol of south eastern states,” he stated.

Advertisement

Mbah: Our dreams are grand – but by no means grandiose.

Meanwhile, thanking the president for making Enugu his first port of call in 2025, and for all the support and cooperation accorded to his government, Governor Mbah stressed that his government’s huge investment in security, education, health and infrastructure were geared towards the actualisation of his vision to grow the state’s economy exponentially to $30bn, describing it as realisable.

“Our goals include growing Enugu State from the $4.4bn economy that it was on my accession to office, to a $30bn economy in the next four to eight years.

It also includes the ambition to make Enugu State one of Nigeria’s top three states in GDP terms.

“But we recognise that few things stifle dreams such as we have, and drain life out of a city like untamed criminality – or any hint of it.

Advertisement

“That understanding is evident in the substantial investments we have made in strengthening security in Enugu State.

“The framework of our security system was designed to nip crime in the bud, and react swiftly when there is any breach of security.

“However, a sense of security is not simply instilled through the physical presence of arms-bearing personnel. It is rather reinforced by a system that helps guarantee a sense of security even when the threat of crime is remote.

“This is what our AI-enhanced security initiative, which has led to round-the-clock surveillance of our streets and neighbourhoods across the entire state, is helping us to achieve.

“This state-wide CCTV network is operated via this Command and Control Centre commissioned today,” he stated.

Advertisement