The African Democratic Congress in Enugu State has expressed concern over Governor Peter Mbah's recent appointment of 101 aides, including Hon. Chinedu Onyeagba, the party's candidate for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency. The appointments, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, comprise seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants, and 88 Special Assistants. The appointments took immediate effect, sparking debate about their timing and potential implications for the state.
The ADC Caretaker Secretary in Enugu State, Comrade Adolphus Ude, commended Onyeagba for rejecting the appointment, questioning the timing and potential financial implications. Ude argued that the appointments were linked to Mbah's concern over the 2027 governorship election and his declining political support in the state. He claimed that the appointments would increase the state's recurrent expenditure and reduce funds available for infrastructure development.
According to Ude, the latest appointments were announced three weeks after the appointment of 23 aides by the Governor, bringing the total number of appointments to 124. The ADC official described the appointments as "executive recklessness" and claimed that there was no rationale beyond political strategy. He argued that the Governor was only interested in regaining his dwindling political influence and mobilizing grassroots support for his re-election.
Ude also raised concerns about the potential financial implications of the appointments, warning that salaries and allowances for the aides could place additional pressure on the state treasury. He claimed that increased recurrent expenditure could make the state more vulnerable to a decline in allocations from the Federation Account and potentially force the government to borrow to meet its overhead obligations.
The debt of Enugu State has already surged by over 128 percent under Mbah's administration, climbing from N82.5 billion in May 2023 to N188.42 billion by early 2026. Ude warned that the state's financial situation could worsen if it is forced to borrow to pay the newly appointed aides. The ADC official urged the Governor to reconsider his appointment spree and prioritize the state's financial stability.
The appointments have sparked debate about the Governor's priorities and his strategy for the 2027 governorship election. While Mbah's administration has argued that the appointments are necessary to ensure a smooth transition and effective governance, critics argue that they are a waste of resources and a sign of executive recklessness.
The controversy surrounding the appointments highlights the challenges facing Mbah's administration as it winds down its term. With the 2027 governorship election approaching, the Governor faces increasing pressure to demonstrate his commitment to the state's development and stability. The ADC's criticism of the appointments is likely to continue, as the party seeks to capitalize on the controversy to mobilize support for its own candidates.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress in Enugu State has criticized Governor Peter Mbah's appointment of 101 aides, including a House of Representatives candidate, as "executive recklessness".
- The appointments have sparked debate about the Governor's priorities and his strategy for the 2027 governorship election.
- The controversy surrounding the appointments highlights the challenges facing Mbah's administration as it winds down its term.
