Enugu State Former Commissioner, Hon Chinedu Onu, a Serial Entrepreneur, and Group Managing Director, Ingrace Group, praised Enugu Governor-elect Peter Mbah’s asset declaration, stating that it demonstrates accountability and a commitment to serving the people of Enugu. Onu made this known while reacting to Freedom Square’s Agenda setting for Enugu Governor-Elect and other Southeast governors. The Code of Conduct Bureau confirmed that Mbah is worth $1 billion, emphasizing his intention to prioritize public service over personal enrichment. Onu urged other elected officials to follow Mbah’s example, and he encouraged the governor-elect’s appointees to emulate his leadership.
Mbah’s key promises include ensuring the availability of water within the next 180 days. Recognizing that this task requires time and resources such as water pumps and pipes, it is assumed that Mbah has already taken steps to procure the necessary materials. Additionally, the management of waste in Enugu needs to be addressed, given Mbah’s role as a city manager. Proper waste management is crucial for a clean and thriving city.
Improving the road network in Enugu is another pressing issue. Specific attention should be given to dualizing certain roads, especially those leading to Transekulu. Moreover, enhancing security is paramount. Mbah inherits the responsibility from outgoing Governor Ugwuanyi and should take measures to strengthen security along the roads. Additionally, addressing the issue of unlicensed and roadworthy vehicles, as well as promoting proper driving education, is essential.
Pension and gratuity concerns need to be tackled to ensure a secure future for retired public servants. Mbah should collaborate with labor unions to develop a plan that addresses the existing debts and establishes a sustainable pension scheme. This is crucial for providing retired individuals with the restful and enjoyable lives they deserve after dedicating 35 years of service to the state. The recertification of pensioners should also be streamlined, reducing the need for them to travel long distances for documentation purposes.
Restoring public confidence in governance is a critical task for Mbah. This entails delivering on promises, addressing pressing issues, and ensuring transparency in leadership. Alongside this, the urgency of water provision, waste management, and road improvement should be emphasized to gain the trust and support of the people.
Collaboration among the two incoming southeastern governo-elect Peter Mbah of Enugu, Alex Otti of Abia State and additionally Charles Soludo of Anambra State, noting that it is essential for regional progress. Key areas of cooperation include railway development, which has been returned to the concurrent list in the constitution, enabling each state to work on connecting their rail lines and facilitating easier transportation for residents. The establishment of a regional airline in partnership with Air Peace can also enhance transport accessibility and connectivity.
Chinedu Onu emphasized the importance of saving and promoting the creative industries, suggesting the creation of a film village and organizing an annual homecoming event for state-grown actors to foster the growth of the entertainment industry. Agricultural policies should be implemented to revive the agricultural sector, focusing on the revival of Sunrise Mill and supporting farmers to boost food production and generate revenue for the state.
Improvements in infrastructure, such as enhancing the international airport in the Southeast, would enhance the sense of arrival and facilitate economic growth. Moreover, providing assistance to industries like the Coal Camp industry in Enugu which are in need of machinery and supporting Nnewi as a thriving industrial hub would bolster the economic progress of the region.
Finally, Onu expressed gratitude to outgoing Governor Ugwuanyi for his accomplishments and stated that it is time for someone else to take the reins and build upon the progress made under his leadership.