Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has appointed 101 new aides, including Chinedu Onyeagba, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency. The appointments were announced through a public service announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. The new aides comprise seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants, and 88 Special Assistants. This move has sparked criticism from the ADC in Enugu State.
The ADC Caretaker Secretary in Enugu State, Comrade Adolphus Ude, described the appointments as politically questionable. He commended Onyeagba for rejecting the appointment and questioned the timing of the appointments, alleging they are connected to the 2027 governorship election. Ude claimed that Governor Mbah's reign is coming to an end and that the people of Enugu State no longer want him. He cited the governor's policies, particularly his taxation policies, as reasons for his unpopularity.
Ude further alleged that the appointments aim to strengthen Governor Mbah's political structure ahead of the 2027 election. He raised concerns over the financial implications of the appointments, noting that the latest batch came barely three weeks after the governor appointed 23 other aides. This brings the total number of aides appointed in less than a month to 124. Ude described the appointment process as an "appointment bazaar" that calls for concern.
The ADC official claimed that the appointments have no rationale beyond political strategy. He stated that the governor is only interested in regaining his dwindling political influence and mobilizing grassroots support for his re-election. Ude also raised concerns about the salaries and allowances attached to the positions, which could increase pressure on the state's finances.
According to Ude, Enugu State's debt has surged by over 128 percent under Governor Mbah, climbing from N82.5 billion in May 2023 to N188.42 billion by early 2026. He warned that the state may borrow to pay the newly appointed aides, further straining the state's finances. The appointments have sparked debate about the governor's priorities and the impact on the state's economy.
Governor Mbah's appointments have been seen as a move to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The ADC has criticized the move, citing concerns about the state's finances and the governor's popularity. The party has expressed doubts about the governor's chances of re-election, citing his unpopular policies and the impact on the state's economy.
The development has sparked mixed reactions in Enugu State, with some people questioning the governor's priorities. The governor's office has not responded to the criticism, but the ADC has vowed to continue speaking out against what it sees as reckless and irresponsible governance. The 2027 governorship election is expected to be a major test of Governor Mbah's popularity and the ADC's influence in the state.
Key points
- Governor Peter Mbah appoints 101 new aides, including ADC's Chinedu Onyeagba.
- ADC criticizes appointments as politically motivated and reckless.
- Enugu State's debt has surged by over 128 percent under Governor Mbah.
