Leadership Beyond Boundaries: H.E. Peter Mbah's Impact in Enugu North Senatorial Zone

By Chikamso Onyishi

It's a well known fact that in the 2023 general election, a sizable number of the electorates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone did not cast their votes in favour of H.E. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah who went on to win the Governorship election. They did not choose to go the other way based on Dr. Mbah's perceived leadership defects but rather, by pandering to clannishness and misrepresentation by political manipulators that by so doing they will achieve a continuation of the zone as Governor by other means. Others who did were acting on the spur that by voting in opposition to Dr. Mbah they would be doing service to the ambition of Dr. Peter Gregory Obi, who contested to be President. Notwithstanding,  Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah went on to win the Governorship election on the wings of majority vote, cast by Enugu People who craved and clamoured for a man with proven track records of leadership both in politics and the private sector. 

In most political environments,  especially in third world countries where ideological persuasion acts as a determinant in the choice of who to vote, voting against a candidate who later goes on to win the election is a potential recipe for politics of nepotism and discrimination. This we know played out during the tenure of President Mohammadu Buhari who made it clear that because Igbo People constituted just a meagre five percent of those who voted him to power, he was not going to treat them like he would those who gave him 70%. 

To elected leaders in such climes, the position canvassed by the former President resonates as valid and justifiable, for as they would argue, "monkey can't be working while the Baboon will sit by and eat". But like we know, "in every rule there is an exception", hence not all leaders will succumb to such base belief. One of such is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,  Governor of Enugu State,  who despite the lack of support from a cross section  of people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone has shown and demonstrated equal commitment to all the zones in the state.

There is therefore no gainsaying the fact that his governance model is characterized by an unwavering commitment to the development of every part of the state and more significantly, Enugu North Senatorial Zone, particularly through substantial infrastructural projects that are set to transform the zone. 

A typical politician wouldn't have favoured such an area with very little show of support during the election period. At least, not so soon, but our case has become different. Fittingly, the Governor is showing uncommon leadership qualities. In an unprecedent move to ensure rapid development of the state, the Governor is embarking on projects that speak volumes to his vision for both human and infrastructural development. 

Key projects like the construction of SMART SCHOOLS, and TYPE TWO HOSPITALS in 260 wards in the state are ongoing simultaneously.  Out of these wards,  Enugu North Senatorial Zone has 102. These schools will be equipped with advanced technology and facilities that provide students with a conducive learning environment, fostering a new generation of thinkers and innovators just as the hospitals are designed to enhance healthcare delivery, ensuring that the people have access to quality medical services. By investing in health infrastructure, Mbah is addressing one of the most pressing needs of our people.

Only few days ago, the Governor in keeping to his campaign promises, flagged off the 43km Abakpa Nike- Ugwugo-Ekwegbe-Opi Nsukka dual carriageway with a promise to complete the project in a record time of 18 months. In the same vein the Governor has promised to construct the Nsukka-Ibagwa Aka- Ogurute- Aji- Ette road which has long deterioated and abandoned by succesive administrations.

The promise and commitment of the administration to construct additional 10km road in each ward in the state means that our zone will be benefitting over 1000kms of roads. These major road projects is not just about improving transportation; it’s a critical initiative for economic growth. By facilitating easier movement of goods and people, they are expected to boost local commerce and connect communities more efficiently, fostering economic opportunities. 

As for the dual carriageway, there will be a quantum boost and significant reduction of the issue of insecurity in along that road. Kidnapping along that road has been a major concern to our people who travel daily through the road in and out of Enugu State capital. The Governor has never rested on his oars in his commitment to combating crime in the state and particularly along that road, so the dualization is a major boost to curbing the menace.

Mbah is a big blessing to us. It's therefore a good thing for us from the zone to massively reciprocate this uncommon favour by showing unalloyed support to his administration. It's expected that everyone from Igbo Nsukka, should be satisfied with the spirit of love exhibited by His Excellency towards us and we are going to reciprocate the kind gesture by a massive ward tour in every local government; 30 persons in every ward, 5 active persons in every polling unit in preparation for the 2027 general election.

Chikamso writes from Nru, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu state.