Governors from the Southeast region of Nigeria have been criticized for their frequent trips abroad and to other states, including Abuja and Lagos, since taking office. These trips have raised concerns about the continuity of governance in their respective states. The governors often do not officially announce their trips before traveling, leaving citizens to learn about them through government officials and the state of affairs in the states.
In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru's frequent absences have sparked concerns, with opposition elements questioning the impact of his trips on the state. Nwifuru has made several trips abroad, including to Germany, the USA, and China, which he described as "economic trips" aimed at driving foreign investment and ending food insecurity. However, Chief Splendor Oko Eze, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Labour Party, claimed that these trips have not yielded any positive results in the state.
Governor Nwifuru's trip to China in July 2026 was focused on investment, and he announced that the trip was fruitful, with authorities in Hunan and Jiangxi Province expressing interest in partnering with Ebonyi State to drive development. The state government has earmarked N150 billion for the establishment of a new state-owned cement plant, Nkalagu Cement factory, in partnership with a Chinese company. However, Eze claimed that no meaningful achievement has been recorded since the signing of the MoU.
The Ebonyi State Council of Elders has countered Eze's claims, stating that Nwifuru's trip to China was fruitful. Chairman of the council, Chief Ben Okah, revealed that nine Chinese surveyors and geologists are currently in the state working on the cement factory project. Okah described Eze's criticism as "audio and fake," adding that the elders do not pay attention to such write-ups.
In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has undertaken several trips outside the state in the past year, including engagements in London, Lagos, and Abuja. Mbah spent at least 11 days outside Enugu on documented official engagements, raising questions about his physical presence in the state and continuity of governance. The governor's trips have included participation in the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London, where he marketed Enugu to international investors.
Mbah's trips have also included engagements with President Bola Tinubu's entourage during the President's UK state visit. At the House of Lords, Mbah presented investment opportunities in Enugu, highlighting potential returns of 25 to 40 percent on investments in the state. While such engagements can be useful to the state, Mbah's frequent movements have raised questions about executive continuity and how the state is administered when he is away.
The issue of executive authority has been raised, particularly regarding the transfer of power to Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai during Mbah's trips. While Ossai has represented Mbah at official engagements, there is no record of a formal transfer of executive authority. The state government has continued to function during Mbah's absences, but the lack of transparency has sparked concerns about governance continuity.
Key points
- Governor Francis Nwifuru's trips abroad have not yielded tangible results, according to opposition elements.
- Governor Peter Mbah's frequent trips have raised questions about executive continuity in Enugu State.
- Southeast governors' frequent trips have sparked concerns about governance continuity in their respective states.
