..lauds for turning civil servant state into entrepreneurial state – Prof. Ogbu
By Sabastine Gabriel
The stakeholders of Enugu North Senatorial zone has described the Governor of Enugu state, Barr. Peter Mbah as a proactive, responsive leader making tangible strides in infrastructure, education, security and equitable development within Enugu State.
The stakeholders who made this known during a Dialogue Series 1, organized by the Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch, with the theme: “His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah Administration – The Journey So far,” held at Adada Hall, Nsukka on Friday said that Gov. Mbah has set plans in motion and is committed to achieving them to develop the state.
Speaking during the dialogue, the former Economic Adviser to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu said that Gov. Peter Ndubisi Mbah of Enugu State is turning the State from a civil servants state to an entrepreneurial state by building structures and industries that would bring about the transformation.
The Erudite scholar, Prof. Ogbu also said that Mbah has put plans in motion to strengthen the state’s economic base so that it will not rely heavily on federal allocation.
He likened Mbah to world leaders like the former Chinese, Malaysian and Israeli leaders who dutifully transformed their country without looking at hindrances and obstacles with his philosophy of Tomorrow is Here.
Ogbu said that Mbah, in his developmental transformation of the state, does not discriminate against those that voted for him and those that did not because he saw Enugu State as his constituency.
He quoted Gov. Mbah as saying that, ” whether you voted for me or not, I’ll develop the state. I’ll wean Enugu State from the Nigerian dependence on Federation Account.”
Extolling Gov. Mbah’s leadership qualities and legacies, Ogbu said that Enugu State is the “highest spender on Education.”
“We are among the three states in the country that can say bye bye to Federal Allocation.”
He said that Mbah’s Tomorrow is Here mantra is a philosophy aimed at development and transformation by thinking out of the box and called on the local government chairmen to key into the philosophy so that Enugu State would be transformed economically and otherwise.
“Tomorrow is Here means not looking at the rear mirror in order to move forward. Tomorrow is Here is also for the local government chairmen. While the governor is working, the local government chairmen should as well be working. Tomorrow is Here is for all the three tiers of government,” he said.
The Coordinator of the Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch of the Coalition for Progress, Dr. Chinedu Onuh, noted that the era of politics was over and now is the era of development and the zone is determined to join hands with the governor in his development strategy.
“We have decided as a people to play developmental politics. Nsukka are united in our loyalty. When he came with the mantra, Tomorrow is Here, we did not understand it but today we understand it.”
Another resource person, Major General Victor Ezeugwu rtd, commended Gov. Mbah for his commitment to ensuring security in the state, and urged the local government chairmen not to leave security to the governor alone but to do their own bit in order to ensure that the state is secured.
Earlier in his remarks, former Secretary to State Government, SSG, Professor Simon Otuanya commended the governor for significant development across multiple sectors within a short period, transforming Enugu from predominantly a civil service state into an emerging industrial hub.
He noted that the Coalition of Progress in Enugu State recently passed a vote of gratitude and endorsed the governor’s continued leadership, recognizing his impactful governance.
He stated that the coalition organized a “Dialogue Series” to evaluate and take stock of the governor’s accomplishments over the past two years, indicating a proactive approach to accountability and progress assessment.
Otuanya noted unprecedented improvements in the education sector, suggesting substantial investments or reforms have been implemented.
Also speaking, member representing Igboeze/Udenu in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Agbo, highlighted the governor’s performance, particularly in equitable project distribution across wards.
Retired Major General Victor Ezeugwu expressed satisfaction that the governor has begun acting on security proposals from retired stakeholders.
He praised Mbah’s responsiveness, his commitment to increasing salaries for local security personnel like vigilantes, and his incorporation of technology in security efforts.
The military veteran urged residents to support the government’s initiatives, especially in areas like Uzo- Uwani and Isi Uzo, emphasizing ongoing efforts to address security and development challenges.
