Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has issued a directive for the newly inaugurated Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and their deputies to immediately relocate to their respective council areas. This announcement came during the official swearing-in ceremony of the 17 elected LG chairmen on Monday. The governor emphasized that local governance must now be conducted directly from the communities to ensure more efficient leadership and development.
Governor Mbah stressed his administration's zero tolerance for insecurity, noting that development and investment in local areas would only thrive in a peaceful environment. He also reiterated the need for the chairmen to embrace disruptive innovation, urging them to deliver on the campaign promises they made to the electorate.
“I closely followed your campaigns and the promises you made. The time for talk is over. Now, your constituents expect action—solutions to the issues that have long plagued their development. You must think creatively, engage with rural infrastructure programs, and actively combat crime to provide a brighter future for Enugu’s children and youth,” Mbah stated.
In a significant policy shift, Mbah insisted that the chairmen govern from within their LGAs, ensuring that governance is community-centered and inclusive. He underscored the importance of engaging with the people and eradicating any feelings of alienation, as well as prioritizing the basic needs of local communities through wealth generation and job creation.
Mbah also took time to commend the ongoing Smart Green School initiative and the state’s agricultural programs, both of which aim to foster rural development and reduce insecurity.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, assured Governor Mbah that the newly inaugurated chairmen would work tirelessly to fulfill their development goals. He highlighted the governor's leadership as a driving force and inspiration for success, emphasizing their shared commitment to bringing the governor’s innovative projects to the grassroots.
“We are fortunate to serve in such a digitalized and dynamic administration. With your leadership, we will deliver and make Enugu a model of development,” Hon. Edeh promised.
Hon. Obiora Obeagu, Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, who is serving his second term, praised the governor for the ongoing financial and project support from the state government. He highlighted the successful partnership between the state and local governments in managing projects such as the Smart Schools initiative and Healthcare Centers across Enugu’s 260 wards.
“We have witnessed the governor’s unwavering support in financing capital projects initiated by local governments. The 260 Healthcare Centers and the Smart Schools initiative are prime examples of this partnership,” Obeagu remarked.
Hon. Aka Eze Aka, Chairman of Udenu LGA, pledged to align his council’s development strategies with Governor Mbah’s rural infrastructure vision, promising to lead efforts in innovative rural development.
This directive by Governor Mbah marks a new chapter in local governance, as the focus shifts to inclusive, community-based leadership aimed at addressing the core needs of Enugu's residents.
