In his commitment to reshape Enugu into a global city, Governor Peter Mbah's administration has initiated a campaign to enforce regulations and eliminate illegal structures within the state capital. This endeavor, aimed at building a better Enugu, has encountered its first controversy with the closure of Breathe Restaurant and Lounge.
From the outset of his tenure, Governor Peter Mbah had warned that the days of "business as usual" were over in Enugu. He emphasized the need for change and acknowledged that this transformation might entail some discomfort for residents and business owners. The government's efforts to bring Enugu up to international standards have seen the removal of a few buildings and an extensive enumeration of illegal structures, open spaces, unmonetized government properties, and residences.
In response to these changes, Governor Mbah has called for cooperation rather than resistance. He pointed out that designated areas for businesses and residential areas have been clearly marked, yet some individuals have violated these zoning regulations, including building in waterways and blocking roads.
One such dispute has arisen with the owner of Breathe Restaurant and Lounge, Mr. Ikechukwu Okeke, who has accused the Director of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Chief Uche Anya, of deliberately obstructing his business. Okeke has alleged that the closure of his establishment, which had commenced operations barely a month ago with a reported investment of over 400 million naira, is an act of sabotage.
However, the ECTDA defends its actions, stating that due process was followed in sealing the nightclub. According to the ECTDA management, the establishment lacked documented approval for its building, and even the submitted approval plan had been grossly violated. After initially sealing the club, a temporary letter of unsealing was issued on September 11th, 2023, following negotiations with the owner. An affidavit was signed outlining agreed-upon adjustments, but two days later, it became apparent that none of the agreed-upon changes had been implemented, and noise pollution persisted.
Consequently, the ECTDA issued a final notice letter on September 13th, 2023, leading to the club's eventual sealing on Thursday. The ECTDA maintains that it operates with a "human face" and sought to give the club an opportunity to rectify its violations. It urges the public to disregard claims of vendetta or witch hunt and calls on the club owner to fulfill the agreed-upon obligations.
Public opinion on the matter varies, with some questioning why negotiations occurred for a business that was illegally located, while others support Governor Peter Mbah's commitment to correcting such wrongs and insist that there will be "no more business as usual" in Enugu
