Politics
Enugu Local Governments Hold Performance Reviews
By Our Correspondent
…Align With State Development Plans
In a bid to enhance governance transparency and accountability, local governments in Enugu State have held a one-day performance appraisal of their administrations where they presented their scorecards before members of the public.
This was even as the council leaderships stressed that they were able to perform beyond expectations because their development plans were aligned with the overall spectrums of the state government’s development template.
The review meeting which attracted resource personnel in leadership and development took place on Thursday in Enugu where local government chairmen, their deputies and other officials conducted peer-review and evaluation of their performance in the 4th quarter of 2024.
The theme of the reviews tagged, “Enugu State Local Government Performance Appraisal and Strategic Planning Meeting” covered key areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, human capital empowerment, sanitation, and other Sustainable Development Goals.
Calling on the council chairmen to be creative and selfless in their service delivery, a professor of Ethics and Intercultural Studies who is also the Founding Director of the Catholic Institute of Development , Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Monsignor Prof Obiora Ike, enjoined them not to be overwhelmed by the challenges ahead of them but to plan with clarity of purpose.
According to him, integrity, moral character, internal energy and spiritual strength would help them to confront the challenges of leadership, adding that they must collaborate with the state government and key community stakeholders to be able to achieve their development plans.
“If you are discordant with the people you’re meant to serve, you cannot achieve anything. And if I take it to another level, it is about being in sync with the Enugu State Government. We love Governor Peter Mbah because he has shown us that he is there for the people. Everybody is talking about the good works that the governor is doing, all over the country and abroad because he has brought leadership home. So, if Mbah is doing a lot from the top, you must complement what he is doing from your own side to align with the state’s vision for a prosperous Enugu.
“Aligning with the state is necessary to move the state forward in agriculture, health, education, ICT, industry, and wealth creation which will create jobs,” he further maintained.
On his part, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Victor Udeh, charged the chairmen to prioritize the welfare of the people they were elected to serve, saying being dedicated and committed to their duties would change the narrative in their respective council areas.
He called on local government officials to be intentional in aligning with the state priorities which were the transformation of the economic status of the state from $4.4bn to $30bn, free universal health coverage, eradication of poverty, quality education, job creation through youth empowerment with the right vocation and skills.
“As a leader, you must have a big dream for your people. You must have vision, and work towards it. The essence of governance is the provision of public good for the greater good and benefit of the people. Remember that governance is all about social contract. It is all about meeting the needs of the people and raising their standard of living,” he added.
Udeh, who enjoined the chairmen to be disciplined with the way they spend public funds, stated that people were watching their leaders and would call them to give account of their stewardship. “You must learn how to control power and money, and do not let them to control you. After you have served and are out of government, people will still remember you and remember what you did for them. Ask yourselves what you want to be remembered for after office?”
Commending the chairmen for the leadership appraisal, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said they had shown good faith in serving their people over the past six months of their administration.
“The chairmen had suggested by themselves that they want the process whereby their performance is tracked across those indicators that we have discussed with them and they come up with initiatives because each local government is peculiar in terms of their economic abilities and potentials.
“We had them look at themselves individually and in clusters to be able to increase the attraction of investors. So, what you have seen today is us now going back and making sure that the culture of this government, which is evidence-based decision-making process is exemplified in some of the things they measure themselves in Q4 of 2024, and some of the initiatives that they want to pursue in 2025 as it relates to economic growth, human capital improvement, some key SDGs, WASH programme education and health,” the SSG added.
Prof Onyia further said that what had happened was the collaboration between the state and the local government, stressing that the state government was mindful of the autonomy being enjoyed by the local governments and would support the principle for entrenched democracy.
The highlights of the meeting were the peer-reviews carried out by each of the 17 council chairmen and their deputies on their areas of strengths, challenges and prospects, enabling them to set targets for themselves in the beginning of the year 2025.
Politics
Gov Mbah Reshuffles Cabinet, Swears-in Head of Service, 6 Commissioners
… Reassigns 3 Commissioners, SANDRA ANI reports
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.
Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.
The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr. Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.
Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.
Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.
Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.
He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not to lower the its performance across sectors.
“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And everyday it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.
“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.
mongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.
“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.
He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.
“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.
“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.
“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.
Politics
Shaping Nigeria’s Tomorrow: President Tinubu’s Innovative Reforms as We Approach the 2027 Election
By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has launched significant economic development and sustainability reforms in Nigeria.
With the 2027 election approaching, many question whether his re-election is essential for the nation’s future prosperity.
While there have been advancements in infrastructure, agriculture, financial stability, and energy reforms, challenges like economic hardship, insecurity, and political instability persist.
Our country’s challenges are considerable, yet with Tinubu’s strong leadership, we can overcome them and emerge even stronger.
The upcoming election represents a selection of candidates and a crucial choice between progress and stagnation. Tinubu’s vision and determination have laid the groundwork for a brighter future for Nigeria, making it vital for us to continue advancing under his guidance.
Nigeria’s economic landscape is undergoing significant transformation under President Tinubu’s administration, with projections indicating that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could approach a notable trillion-dollar mark. Despite facing substantial economic challenges, including a projected public debt of approximately 79 trillion naira by the end of 2025 and rising debt servicing costs, the reforms initiated by Tinubu are showing positive effects on economic growth and stability.
In particular, external debt service is expected to increase to $5.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the need for sustainable economic policies. Adding $24.14 billion to previous debt estimates underscores the ongoing economic hurdles the country must navigate. Forecasts suggest Nigeria’s GDP will reach $585.9 billion in 2025, based on absolute terms and constant 2015 prices. Meanwhile, other estimates project a GDP of $377.31 billion by the end of 2025, with long-term trends suggesting it will rise to $393.16 billion in 2026 and $410.85 billion in 2027. This data emphasises the challenges and potential for Nigeria’s economy moving forward.
President Tinubu’s commitment to economic development and sustainability reforms is essential for Nigeria’s future. His administration has made significant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, financial stability, and energy sector reforms, laying a strong foundation for growth. As we approach the 2027 election, supporting his vision for a prosperous and stable Nigeria is essential.
President Bola Tinubu has a solid support base, yet the upcoming 2027 election could be competitive due to the current economic challenges and strong opposition. His economic reforms, which address economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption, are vital for Nigeria’s viability.
Amid rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, Tinubu’s focus on economic reform is essential for stabilising the economy and easing citizens’ burdens. By targeting inflation’s root causes and strengthening sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, his administration aims to create a more resilient economy.
In a time of pervasive insecurity and political instability, sustainable economic development is crucial for job creation and poverty reduction. Tinubu’s reforms foster growth, investment, and transparency, addressing immediate challenges and long-term prosperity.
Despite the hurdles leading to the 2027 election, Tinubu appears to be gaining an advantage over his opponents. While economic hardships and opposition coalitions present challenges, his strong backing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and strategic manoeuvres indicate he may secure a successful path to electoral victory.
Intriguingly, the importance of President Tinubu’s economic reforms cannot be overstated. During this period of significant challenges and uncertainties, his vision for sustainable economic development provides a pathway toward a more prosperous, secure, and stable Nigeria. As the nation reaches a critical juncture, the need for President Tinubu’s economic reforms to ensure Nigeria’s long-term viability and vitality is clear.
President Tinubu’s economic reforms offer hope during these challenging times, promising a brighter future for all Nigerians. In response to widespread protests and calls for an end to bad governance and economic hardship, President Tinubu’s bold initiatives serve as a rallying cry for positive change. The nation must unite behind a vision of prosperity and progress as we embrace a new era of economic stability and growth.
While reactions to the government’s efforts may vary, it’s essential to recognise the potential of President Tinubu’s reforms. His administration aims to create a more prosperous society by tackling economic instability and promoting transparency. This calls for all Nigerians to support this vision and work together for a better future.
In the face of criticism and repression, it is more important than ever to champion the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. President Tinubu’s economic reforms provide a pathway towards a more just and inclusive society where every voice is heard, every right is protected, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. This is a moment to seize—a chance to shape the destiny of our nation for generations to come.
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of the present moment, let us not lose sight of President Tinubu’s economic reforms’ promise and potential. Let us channel our energy and passion towards building a better tomorrow—a nation we can all be proud of. The time for robust continuity is now, and together, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria and all Nigerians.
President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is guiding Nigeria towards a sustainable future through essential economic reforms, laying the groundwork for widespread development and progress for all Nigerians.
1. Infrastructure Development: President Tinubu is boosting economic growth and quality of life through strategic investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and power generation. These initiatives aim to create a robust framework for a thriving economy and better living standards.
2. Agricultural Initiatives: President Tinubu’s focus on modernising agriculture and boosting food production marks a key move towards self-sufficiency and food security. These initiatives promote a sustainable agricultural sector that supports economic growth by reducing import reliance and empowering local farmers.
3. Financial Reforms: The administration’s focus on stabilising the financial sector and attracting foreign investment is vital for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. President Tinubu’s efforts are enhancing economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investors.
4. Energy Sector Reforms: President Tinubu’s initiatives to diversify energy sources and improve efficiency in the oil and gas sector are crucial for enhancing energy security and economic stability. Nigeria is fostering a more resilient economy by shifting away from traditional energy sources and adopting sustainable alternatives.
President Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027 is at a crucial crossroads, marked by achievements and challenges. His administration’s economic reforms indicate a positive trajectory for Nigeria. Currently, his position seems stronger than that of any individual opponent or all challengers combined.
Nevertheless, significant obstacles, including ongoing economic hardships and fierce opposition, present a daunting landscape. The 2027 election will test how well these reforms can benefit the Nigerian people and how effectively the administration can address pressing issues. With a rapidly evolving political arena, the election will likely be highly competitive, with the potential for transformative change. President Tinubu’s prospects hinge on leveraging his economic agenda and connecting with the populace’s aspirations for a brighter future.
In summary, President Tinubu’s leadership is on a promising path as transformative reforms take effect. These reforms are expected to bring significant benefits, positively impacting the lives of citizens and enhancing voter support ahead of the upcoming election. The focus extends beyond mere political gain; it is about creating a brighter future for Nigeria and its people. This is a crucial opportunity to harness the economic reforms initiated by President Tinubu for a prosperous and thriving nation.
GRPolitics
PDP Crisis: Saraki, Dickson, Dankwambo Storm Enugu, Meet with Gov Mbah
… South East is important to PDP, says Saraki – REPORTER: SANDRA ANI
In a clear bid to stem the tide of crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the PDP Special Reconciliation Committee chaired by former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Friday, met with the governor of Enugu State and leader of the party in the South East region, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Other members of the Committee present at the meeting, which held behind closed doors at the Government House, Enugu, were former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.
It is recalled that the leaders of PDP in the zone had in a communique issued after the South East PDP Zonal Executive Council, ZEC, meeting a fortnight ago announced the re-nomination of former PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, to serve out the remaining tenure of the National Secretary, threatening possible exodus should their decision not be respected.
“In the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique stated.
But addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting with Mbah, Saraki said, “We are members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee that was set up recently by the PDP Governors’ Forum to work towards ensuring that our upcoming National Executive Council meeting and also likely convention is rancor-free and and works smoothly.
“In line with that, we are here in Enugu State to consult with one of our leaders, Governor Peter Mbah, who is the leader of South East PDP.
“This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the South East in our PDP family. As you all know, the South East has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.
“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and first to commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party. More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government.
“In doing that, we discussed how we will ensure that we carry out the assignment given to us and go ahead to have our NEC and our convention. We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for.
“We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very, very useful discussion. We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that.
“With this, we can say here in Enugu we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.
“What we have also seen today is that there is nothing insurmountable in the challenge ahead and the spirit, the commitment of all of us, especially our leaders, is very very inspiring,” he stated.
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