A few weeks before his inauguration as Governor of Enugu State on May 29, 2023, I had my first meeting with Peter Mbah, alongside a few media colleagues. The gathering, arranged by my longtime friend and media relations expert Uche Anichukwu, took place at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Also present was Ifeanyi Ossai, then the Deputy Governor-elect of Enugu State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A few weeks before his inauguration as Governor of Enugu State on May 29, 2023, I had my first meeting with Peter Mbah, alongside a few media colleagues. The gathering, arranged by my longtime friend and media relations expert Uche Anichukwu, took place at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Also present was Ifeanyi Ossai, then the Deputy Governor-elect of Enugu State.

Over the years, I have maintained close connections with the political leadership of Enugu, so much so that the state has come to feel like a “second home” to me. Through interactions with key figures such as former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, and former House of Representatives members Patrick Asadu and Toby Okechukwu, I have observed that Enugu stands out as a place where democracy is actively evolving.

Yet, despite my long engagement with Enugu politics, I had not met Peter Mbah until that Abuja meeting. At the time, he was making a name for himself in Nigeria’s private sector as chairman of Pinnacle, a leading oil and gas company. During the meeting, Mbah—an accomplished lawyer, businessman, and former Chief of Staff under Governor Chimaroke Nnamani—presented his vision for Enugu State with calm, measured composure. He reaffirmed campaign promises, including building a $30 billion economy, revitalizing urban water supply, ending sit-at-home disruptions, upgrading health facilities, and establishing smart schools to prepare Enugu’s children for the future. His clarity and focus left no doubt that he was serious about governance.

I suggested that his administration ensure inclusivity, serving all residents of Enugu State regardless of ethnicity or religion, given its historic role as the former regional capital of the old Eastern Region. Mbah, known for his stoic demeanor, responded with a simple, appreciative smile—silent confirmation that he understood the importance of unity.

The recent debate over a multi-billion-naira contract for smart school construction awarded to Lagos-based Yoruba developer Olasijibomi Ogundele has further highlighted Mbah’s pan-Nigerian approach. By entrusting a critical state project to someone outside the Igbo community, Mbah has demonstrated a commitment to national integration and dismantled stereotypes about the Igbo being insular. His actions echo the spirit of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s historic efforts to promote unity, such as appointing Mallam Umaru Altine, a Hausa-speaking Muslim, as Mayor of Enugu in 1952.

This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond a single project. Recently, Mbah commissioned five ultra-modern bus terminals across Enugu State, with four built by Lagos-based Planets Projects. The state’s multi-billion-naira Command and Control Centre, equipped with AI-enabled surveillance, was constructed by Hajaraisan Nig Ltd., led by a Kano state indigene, while the Enugu State Vehicles’ Identification System Software was developed by an expert from Jigawa. Even the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, is led by a Kogi State native.

All of these projects were awarded through competitive bidding, underscoring Mbah’s principle of merit over ethnicity. Similarly, his strategic appointments reflect a commitment to national unity and professional excellence. Notable examples include Ladi Akeredolu-Ale from Ondo State as Managing Director of Enugu State Broadcasting Service, Dr. Yomi Jaye as Special Adviser on Health Matters, Adenike Okebu as Senior Special Assistant on Revenue, and Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf Sambo on Special Duties. The state’s security team includes retired DCP Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo, ensuring continuity and enforcement of law and order.

Governor Peter Mbah’s administration demonstrates that Enugu State can serve as a model for a truly united Nigeria. By prioritizing inclusion, equity, and professionalism, Mbah is proving that citizenship and competence matter more than ethnicity or origin. His Enugu is a state where Nigerians, regardless of background, can live, work, and contribute freely—a vision that aligns with the aspirations of a cohesive, integrated nation.