A respected figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Hon. Chinedu Onuh, Ph.D., who has held numerous elective and appointed roles at both the state and national levels, has lauded the impactful and reform-driven policies of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration. He described the governor’s leadership as a revival of the visionary legacy of the late Dr. M.I. Okpara, who once led the defunct Eastern Region with exceptional foresight.
Dr. Onuh made these remarks during a media discussion with Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., featured in the premiere edition of Beyond the Headlines, a current affairs program that aired on Freedom Square TV on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Speaking passionately on the theme, “The Power of Vision: Re-inventing M.I. Okpara’s Era in Enugu State, The Vision of Governor Peter Mbah,” Dr. Onuh drew a strong parallel between the fast-paced economic progress under Governor Mbah and the rapid development that characterized the South Eastern Region during Dr. Michael Okpara’s time.
Highlighting achievements between 2023 and 2025, Dr. Onuh said Governor Mbah has been reviving dormant industries across Enugu State, initiating infrastructure projects that promote social and economic growth, rejuvenating agriculture, and constructing roads that residents can clearly see and benefit from.
He recalled how Dr. Okpara once led the Eastern Region to become the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, adding that Governor Mbah is now making significant strides to rekindle and adapt those development models for today’s challenges.
In the education sector, Dr. Onuh pointed out the rise of Smart Schools across Enugu State, alongside renewed focus on technical education. Institutions like the Government Technical College and the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), he noted, are experiencing meaningful upgrades and reforms.
He also praised the agricultural reforms, specifically the rollout of farm estates in all 260 wards across the state. According to Dr. Onuh, this initiative not only supports food production but also provides employment opportunities and helps reduce insecurity by turning forested areas into cultivated farmland.
“These are huge and transformative ideas,” he emphasized.
Dr. Onuh further remarked that Governor Mbah has introduced policies designed to draw both domestic and foreign investors to Enugu State, a strategy reminiscent of the late Dr. Okpara’s developmental vision. He described this approach as a clear revival of that forward-thinking era.
He added that the education system in the state is undergoing a positive transformation. “Enugu is seeing a new wave in teaching and learning,” he said, highlighting the introduction of the Smart School initiative as a major step toward improving academic quality. With more digital tablets and learning tools being provided, he noted, access to modern education is becoming more widespread and affordable.
He described the launch of Enugu Air, the state-owned airline, as a highly beneficial investment that promises wide-reaching economic gains for Enugu State.
“Through Enugu Air, Governor Mbah is delivering on his promises,” Dr. Onuh noted. “This project will drive business growth, boost tourism and hospitality, and create numerous job opportunities for our people.”
Nevertheless, he advised that to ensure the airline’s long-term success, it should be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which would guarantee efficiency and professional management.
He also highlighted that the completion of the International Conference Center would be a major boost for tourism, increasing visitor traffic and energizing the hospitality sector in the state.
Dr. Onuh extended heartfelt thanks to Governor Mbah for his decision to rejuvenate the iconic Hotel Presidential in Enugu.
He explained that the hotel, a legacy of Dr. Okpara’s time, had been neglected for years, unlike its counterpart in Port Harcourt which remained functional. Dr. Onuh praised Governor Mbah for taking decisive action to restore the Enugu hotel and return it to relevance and economic productivity.
Dr. Onuh added, “The Port Harcourt Presidential Hotel has never closed its doors, but ours in Enugu was brought to a halt by a period of severe neglect. Governor Mbah, however, believes in continuity of governance. That’s why he completed the International Conference Center started by Senator Chimaroke Nnamani and is now revitalizing the Hotel Presidential.”
On the subject of security, Dr. Onuh, a former Commissioner for Environment, acknowledged that insecurity is a global issue. “Even the most developed countries cannot claim absolute safety,” he said.
Comparing Nigeria’s current situation, Dr. Onuh applauded Governor Mbah’s outstanding efforts in addressing insecurity in Enugu State. He revealed that some of the security technologies and strategies introduced by the Mbah administration were the first of their kind in Nigeria and have since been adopted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He noted that areas once notorious for kidnapping, such as the Nike Lake axis in Enugu and the Opi–Nsukka road — have been completely cleared, thanks to the governor’s implementation of regular patrols and permanent checkpoints along those routes.
Dr. Onuh commended the governor for restructuring the Forest Guard unit, appointing a retired senior military officer and a former police officer to lead the security outfit. He expressed confidence that this reform will help reduce crime, especially in rural communities across the state.
Touching on concerns about excessive taxation, Dr. Onuh acknowledged that the government needs funds to support its development programs. However, he stressed the importance of investigating allegations of multiple taxation by some state agencies to ensure fair and balanced revenue collection.
He also urged the government to exempt vulnerable citizens from paying taxes, emphasizing the importance of protecting the economically disadvantaged.
When asked about the ongoing water supply challenges in Enugu’s urban areas, Dr. Onuh recommended that the state government explore additional sources by tapping into major rivers around the metropolis, alongside improving the existing Ajali Water Scheme, to ensure more reliable access to clean water.
On the healthcare front, Dr. Onuh expressed satisfaction with the emergence of Type 2 hospitals in all 260 wards of the state. He praised Governor Mbah’s ambitious efforts in strengthening healthcare services, while also acknowledging that some of these projects require time to fully mature.
In conclusion, Dr. Onuh gave the Peter Mbah-led administration a strong vote of confidence, awarding it an emphatic “A” for its performance and accomplishments thus far.