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Enugu State

2023 Elections: Who will represent the Enugu North Local Government?

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“If you ask me na who I go ask
The matter wey we see so e tay wey e start
No be me go talk am e heavy for mouth
If you ask me the matter for ground eh
Na who I go ask”….Omawumi

Many may have forgotten the Nigerian female Musician, Omawumi, whose song in pidgin Enugu, “If you ask me (Na who I go ask) poses a rhetorical question that probably would not be answered.
Omawumi’s song brings back to the reminiscence of how Enugu, first as a cosmopolitan city, started in 1904 and its graduation to the Igbo capital before the creation of Enugu state in 1991. Where did Enugu start, who championed the Wawa cause and the eventual state creation? Who made the sacrifices in both human and land provisions, where every Dick and Harry have today come to lay prostrate claims of ownership, divisions and clannishness?

But for the sacrifices of the Enugu-Ngwo and later Ogui-Nike communities, would Enugu and its surrounding communities have been lifted to understand what political agitation is all about? So how come that the first has now been confined to obscurity and their voices suppressed because the sages of the people have established a general platform and moved on?

These are questions that beg for answers but for how long shall precursors continue to remain the hewers of wood. These are the people that developed the city and are in the position to recreate and extend the same achievement to the rest of the state. Unfortunately, though, some of the illustrious sons of Enugu North local government have sold their birthright, shifting their support to the other parts of Enugu East senatorial zone to produce the next governor of Enugu state.

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But the local government council cannot be in lack of human resources because if it is about western civilization, they were the first to embrace the white man’s ways of life in the state and there is an Igbo adage that a woman who started cooking before her neighbour would obviously gather more used up cooking utensils than her later contemporary.

READ: Enugu APC: Certificate of return to Ugo Agballah inconsequential – Faction

Enugu North local government is not part of the Nkanu solidarity movement and has restrained itself from the noisy political propaganda in the recent time but has always shown solidarity for the state despite its relegation in the schemes of the state. Prof. Agu Gab Agu after losing the 2019 senatorial ticket to Chimaroke Nnamani refused to go to court, unlike others, but retained faith with the party and the stakeholders, yet gratitude is yet to be extended to his local government area.

Zoning is good if it is properly applied and in relation to Enugu North local government, if there is a general agreement that there is zoning in Enugu state, there should be a micro-zoning as well. It would be painful and an assault on the sensibilities of the people of Enugu North local government and Isi-Uzo if they are not given due share as part of Enugu east senatorial district. In the current equity debate for the zone, Isi-Uzo is even gaining more sympathy than Enugu North local government, whereas both are the most marginalized council areas of the zone that have never been allowed to produce even a Senator, let alone a governor for the senatorial district.

The case of Enugu North local government is even more pathetic when juxtaposed with its worse tragedy of not even having a statutory commissioner in the state executive council. A part of the cosmopolitan community cannot even boast of a traditional ruler and does not even have it at all. Can it be truly said that in the spirit of federalism, Enugu north local government is part of Enugu state?

The tragedy of the present debate on which local government in Enugu East senatorial district should produce the next governor of the state has unfortunately been reduced to Nkanu division which is just one component of the senatorial district.

The agitators on their self volition clandestinely reduced the Enugu east senatorial district to mean Nkanu zone as if there is anything as Nakanu senatorial district in the 1999 constitution which regulates the current Nigeria polity.

Selfishly and ignorantly, the agitators appropriate Nkanu as being the largest population content of the senatorial zone, regardless of the huge population of Enugu north local government that is by far more than the two Nkanu subdivided council areas.

The 2006 population figure of the six local government areas in Enugu East senatorial district stood at 1,166,864, out of which the two Nkanu local government councils contributed only 300, 967 which is less than 30 percent of the entire population of the senatorial districty. So, where lies the lie that Nkanu is the majority population of Enugu east senatorial district? The Nike clan that Nkanu claims to be one of theirs is actually of the Ugwunyi ancestral clan and the overbearing Nkanu has never given Nike a chance to rear its head in the senatorial district.

We all know how Senator Gil Nnaji made it to the Senate in suppression of the ‘Core Nkanu’ that will never give any other person a chance to hold a common political position in the senatorial district.
The Ngwo and the Isi-Uzo are not known as Nkanu, yet, even if they are in the minority, should they not be given the opportunity to produce representatives of the zone. Whereas the Igbo are clamouring for Nigeria presidency in 2023, back home in the Igbo enclave, some clans behave like the northern Nigeria whom they accuse of political oppression.
It was for this fear of marginalisation that brought about the Sir Henry Willink Commission of 1957 and whose submission came to be known as the Willink’s Report of 1958, when the minority nationalities of the Eastern Nigeria protested that everything in the eastern Nigeria was ‘Igbonized’ to the extent that even the Ijaw or the Annang tribes were referred to as Igbo and their true identity and fair shares were buried and subsumed into the Igbo.

Presumed that the governorship position has been zoned to Enugu east senatorial district, it is only rational that there should be a table conference where components of the zone that had had due shares would give way for those that have not had, if we are really serious about equity and zoning, except if it is just a mere lip service mantra.

Truth is that the next governor of Enugu state should be produced from Enugu North local government, given the fact that it played vital role in the creation of the state and even the Chief C.C Onoh (of the Udi Division) who was the arrow head behind the state creation was only produced for three months, a very insignificant period when compared to the resources expended in the pursuit of the Wawa liberation and subsequent state creation.
Enugu South LGA has produced a Governor, had Senate for numerous times; same as the Nkanu division that has had eight years of governorship, deputy governorship as well as the Senate, while Enugu East LGA has had the Senate for eight years. This statistics therefore leaves Enugu North and Isi-Uzo as the most disadvantaged LGAs in the senatorial district. It is either Isi-Uzo produces the 2023 Governor or Enugu North goes to the Senate or vise versa.
In the real sense of it, Chief C.C Onoh is supposed to be given exclusive prerogative to become governor, not denominated to any local government, because of his emancipation role. This was a practice that prevailed when the Igbo were original in their culture and respect for people-oriented leaders as CC. Onoh is a child of Enugu state and should be given the deserved privilege even posthumously because he has his children and kindred that he left behind.

Therefore, going forward, without creating unnecessary drama and much ado about nothing, everything that should be shared in Enugu east senatorial zone should all be placed on the table and equal representatives of each of the six local government councils would be invited and the positions shared giving first choices to the more disadvantaged local government councils which is Enugu North and Isi-Uzo. In this way, the zone will be in unison while cohesion among the councils will be achieved.

Indeed Enugu North local government has illustrious sons and daughters from Ngwo, Ogui-Nike and the urban residents who have distinguished themselves in administration and other endeavours that can eminently lead as Governors or Senators. Prof. Agu Gab Agu exhibited political maturity when he conceded to Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani who was rewarded the Senate position in 2019. The Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr. Josef-Ken Onoh has shown courage in leadership of the municipal agency, performing exceedingly well in the difficult job of controlling obstinate residents in development activities within the Capital territory. At the Ogui flank, Mr. Emeka Edeh proved that Enugu North local government can be sanitized and its status uplifted, just within the few years he was chairman of the City council.
All these other people from Nkanu contesting for governorship position should tell the Enugu people the value they have added to the state since creation which was masterminded by leaders in Enugu North local government. They have no investment in the state and they are not intending to have one except to take away from the state. The Nkanu people took away ESUT from Nsukka and Enugu North LGAs to Agbani, the have been ministers, Governors and Deputies, Inspector General of Police, NDLEA Chairman, Chief Judge, military Administrators, just to name but a few positions. In the same manner, the Nigeria law school was moved to Agbani and named after their illustrious son, and other establishments. The political zone of Enugu East Senatorial district was instituted at Agbani that is not Central.
The people of Enugu North LGA have shown solidarity and support to the present administration in the state and the administration is bound to reciprocate their humility.


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Enugu State

Charles Ogbu Raises Accountability Concerns Over Gov. Peter Mbah’s Spending in Enugu

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Charles Ogbu Accuses Gov. Peter Mbah of poor accountability
Gov. Peter Mbah
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Nigerian activist Charles Ogbu has accused Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of mismanaging public resources, alleging that more than ₦1.4 trillion received and generated by the state since May 2023 has not translated into basic services.

Ogbu in a facebook post, cited official data from FAAC, the Debt Management Office, and state revenue reports, said the government has received ₦923 billion in federal allocations, borrowed ₦96.7 billion, and generated ₦384.5 billion in internally generated revenue.

He criticised spending on projects such as “Smart Schools,” water schemes, and agriculture, alleging inflated contracts and lack of accountability. Ogbu also raised concerns over the acquisition of 30,000 hectares of land for agricultural ventures.

Charles Ogbu Accuses Gov. Peter Mbah of Asset Stripping
Charles Ogbu Accuses Gov. Peter Mbah of Asset Stripping
Charles Ogbu Accuses Gov. Peter Mbah of Asset Stripping
Charles Ogbu Accuses Gov. Peter Mbah of Asset Stripping

Governor Mbah’s office has yet to respond to the allegations.

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Enugu State

Outrage As Another Dangote Truck Crash Claims Multiple Lives in Enugu

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Dangote truck accident in Enugu
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A wave of grief and anger is sweeping across Nigeria following yet another fatal accident involving a Dangote truck, this time in Enugu State.

The latest incident adds to a grim and growing list of tragedies that have citizens demanding immediate action on road safety.

A Family Wiped Out

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, a cement-laden truck belonging to Dangote Industries crashed into multiple vehicles at the busy Four Corner Junction in Enugu State.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and devastation as the out-of-control truck plowed through the area.

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Multiple media reports confirm a devastating toll: at least 10 people were killed and 10 others injured, with survivors rushed to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

The human cost was particularly heartbreaking, as the accident is reported to have crushed an entire family, along with several bystanders. While the official cause is still under investigation, early accounts point to either brake failure or driver error.

A Disturbing Pattern, Not an Isolated Incident

The Enugu crash is tragically familiar. This incident is not a standalone event but part of a alarming pattern of fatal accidents involving heavy-duty trucks from major corporations, with Dangote trucks frequently at the center.

Just weeks ago, a Dangote truck struck and killed Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija winner Phyna, in Edo State.

In April 2024, another Dangote truck collided with a Toyota Hiace bus on the perilous Okene-Lokoja highway, claiming 19 lives.

This repeated occurrence has transformed public grief into widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning why these tragedies continue unabated.

Social Media Erupts with Anger and Questions

In the hours following the Enugu accident, social media platforms became a hub for mourning, frustration, and demanding accountability. The silence from official channels only fueled the fire.

Pablo of UNN connected the dots, tweeting: “A Dangote truck just killed multiple people in Four Corner Enugu today… Other billionaires outside this country are building cancer research centre etc for their citizens our own billionaires dey employ uneducated drivers to be killing people on the road😤”

Expressing a sentiment felt by many, Ruth wrote: “I get PTSD anytime I see Dangote’s truck. 💔” highlighting the deep psychological impact these recurring events have on citizens.

Nedu Ani pointed to the perceived official neglect: “Dangote Truck accident in Enugu just wiped off an entire family.💔💔💔 Few hours to this incident, no official response or update… This is not the kind of country we want.”

Perhaps the most pointed criticism came from General Snow, who raised a question on many minds, hinting at a possible regional bias: “I want to ask a question. Are Dangote trucks k*ing people in the North the same way they do in the South?… Can’t the trucks have solo accidents? What is going on? We need to ask these questions to be sure we are not dealing with terrorism disguised as accidents.”

The Government Keep Mum

So far no statement has been released by the government on the issues of Truck accidents in Nigeria.

The lives lost in Enugu, Edo, Okene, and countless other roads across Nigeria are more than statistics. They are fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers whose tragedies could have been prevented.

The repeated nature of these accidents suggests a systemic failure that requires a systemic solution.

The question now is whether the authorities will listen to the deafening public outcry before the next headline announces another preventable tragedy.

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Enugu State

2025 NBA Conference: Lawyers Hail Enugu as Cleanest, Safest City

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NBA Conference: Lawyers Applaud Enugu’s Safety, Cleanliness
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The just concluded Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has spotlighted Enugu State as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Nigeria, with lawyers from across the country commending the state’s infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism attractions.

During a guided tour of key tourist sites including the Art Gallery, National Museum, Milliken Hill, and Ngwo Pine Forest many participants said their impressions of the South East had been positively transformed by their experience in Enugu.

NBA Conference: Lawyers Applaud Enugu’s Safety, Cleanliness

Lawyers Share Experiences

Stephen Medaiyedu, from the FCT Bar, Abuja, praised the level of development under Governor Peter Mbah, particularly noting the successful relocation of the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu within four months.

“The infrastructure is fantastic, the transport system is very well organised, the security is very assuring, as we have no reason to be afraid of anything. I commend the governor and the people for the hospitality they afforded us,” he said.

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Samir Mohammed Adamu from Bauchi State described Enugu as one of Nigeria’s most beautiful and peaceful cities:

“It is a beautiful city with peace and hospitable people. It is green and its environment is quite serene. The way and manner the people received us here is quite wonderful.”

NBA member Ozor Nnadume Awforkansi noted that the positive experiences of visiting lawyers could pave the way for Enugu to host more national events in the future.

“If they knew this was how beautiful and safe Enugu was, they would have been coming here for their vacations and weekends,” he added, highlighting that much of the transformation was achieved under Governor Mbah.

Tourism and Infrastructure Push

Wilson Uche Ugwe, a tour guide and Vice President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), said Enugu’s tourism potential had been effectively showcased to visitors. He revealed that the governor had earmarked over ₦13 billion for investment in the sector.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said her ministry ensured that the lawyers enjoyed not only the sights but also Enugu’s rich culinary heritage — from okpa and abacha to palm wine.

She further disclosed that the state was working on innovative projects such as a zipline (the first in Nigeria) and the 600 Steps to Tranquility leading to a waterfall.

A City Rebranded

For many participants, the NBA Conference was not only a professional gathering but also an opportunity to experience Enugu’s transformation firsthand.

The combination of security, organisation, cultural richness, and hospitality left many lawyers convinced that Enugu is emerging as a model for urban development and tourism in Nigeria.

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Enugu State

Obasanjo, Malema, over 20,000 Lawyers Converge on Enugu for 2025 NBA Conference

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Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
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… Enugu is set, home of hospitality, love, peace – NBA President, Osigwe

.. Gov Mbah prepared Enugu ahead – SSG, Onyia

Enugu, the capital of the old Eastern Region, is a beehive of activities as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, firebrand South African politician, Julius Malema, and over 20,000 lawyers converge for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which formally opens on Sunday.

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Earlier on Saturday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, led thousands of lawyers in a health walk across major roads in the capital city, as more lawyers and guests continued to pour into the historic city.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, assured participants of a memorable experience, noting that Governor Peter Mbah had long prepared the state for large events like the NBA’s AGC.

Speaking to newsmen, Osigwe, who relished the thrilling moments already being experienced in Enugu, said the city was a befitting venue for the theme of the conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”

“Enugu is the capital of the South East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. That was why we chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving from Port Harcourt.

“So, we are here in Enugu to enjoy the best that the people have to offer and also have a conversation about building Nigeria and making it an economic giant in Africa. Enugu is set, we are so excited.

“Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, is on the ground in Lagos and will touch down here tomorrow (Sunday). Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president who will chair the opening ceremony, will also be on the ground tomorrow.

“We are all set, we are so excited. We are going to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience, the type that will make you want to come back every time for a conference in Enugu,” he told reporters.

Also speaking to journalists, Prof. Onyia said the government of Dr. Peter Mbah had strategically prepared Enugu to host conferences like that of the NBA and many others.

“The Enugu State Government under Dr. Peter Mbah, in its design and thinking around tourism, hospitality, and economic growth, had already factored in most of what you are seeing in preparation right now.

“Even without the NBA’s plan to come, we had already started planning what would happen if the NBA came here, if the Nigerian Society of Engineers came here, or others,” he stated.

He recalled: “Not too long ago, Enugu Air was commissioned; not too long ago, our 100 CNG buses and five modern transport terminals were commissioned. The reconstructed and revamped Hotel Presidential was also unveiled, just to name a few. We want to ensure that when people come here, they move around easily, feel safe, and even love to live here. We are grateful to the NBA for choosing Enugu and believe that they will have a memorable experience during their stay.”

Meanwhile, one of the lawyers already in the state, Barr. Favour Abraham from Minna, Niger State, said she was looking forward with excitement to a memorable experience in Enugu.

“This is my second time in Enugu. I came here for the NBA conference in 2005. So, it has been 20 years. Today, it is a beautiful city. At least from the airport, we had Enugu State CNG buses actually waiting for us. The people here are hospitable. I can say Igbo people are very warm and welcoming. Enugu has changed, and it is a beautiful city.

“So, we are here to explore, attend our conference, gain more skills and knowledge, and then enjoy Enugu to the fullest. We have beautiful things like okpa, isiewu, abacha and more. At least we are coming from the North, and we would love to explore the city,” she added.

Another first-time visitor, Daisy Ovrawah from Delta State, said she was “expecting something totally different.”

“I like the airport, the town, and the CNG bus that brought us from the airport to the International Conference Centre. It was very convenient. I love the ICC. This is very beautiful. I am impressed; I like what I am seeing,” she said.

Barr. Godswill Onyegbu, a participant from Abuja, said he was looking forward to “a very highly coordinated conference.”

“We just got to the conference and the NBA bus brought us to the venue. I commend the governor for the CNG bus. Also, on our way, I could see that Enugu was very clean,” he said.

Hon. Munirat Suleiman, Magistrate of the Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja, praised the registration process as seamless.

“Having attended several NBA conferences that had a lot of glitches, with problems collecting materials and registering, I am impressed that this Enugu experience has been stress-free. So far, so good, and I am enjoying the beautiful city of Enugu, the Coal City,” she said.

Highness Rufus Olarewaju Ajayi from Ekiti, who was in Enugu in 2001 for the Oputa Panel, said: “Since I came here last night, I think I am highly impressed by what I have seen so far.”

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Enugu State

Enugu Restricts Movement, Tightens Security for NBA 2025 Conference

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Enugu To Host the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference
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The Enugu State Government has announced traffic restrictions ahead of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference, billed to hold in the state from 22nd–29th August 2025.

In a notice on Wednesday, the Ministry of Transportation directed motorists, tricycle riders, and commercial buses to avoid certain roads, including Sullivan/Roban Junction, Rangers Avenue, Cubana Junction, IMT by SPAR, and Toscana Junction.

Alternative routes such as Presidential Road, Ogui Road, Zik Avenue, Agbani Road, and New Haven remain open to ease traffic.

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Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command says it has deployed massive security ahead of the event. Commissioner of Police Kanayo Giwa assured participants and residents of a safe conference, urging vigilance and cooperation with security operatives.

Emergency hotlines have also been released: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, 09134448093.

The NBA Conference is expected to draw thousands of lawyers, dignitaries, and stakeholders from across Nigeria.


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