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TACKLING INSECURITY IN ENUGU: Stakeholders Accuses Mbah Of Illegitimacy
The Enugu State Stakeholders Forum (ESSF) has ascribed the failure of the state government’s cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home order to the lack of legitimacy by the new Peter Mbah government that came into being last May 29.
In a statement in Enugu today signed by the ESSF’s leader, Professor Joseph Aneke, and the secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Agbo, the stakeholders said that what would have been a good government initiative failed spectacularly because Mbah did not think through it before announcing it.
“Mbah has been desperate to do something popular to get accepted by the Enugu people because he and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government did not win the March 18 gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections”, declared the stakeholders.
“He merely hit upon the idea of ending the illegal sit-at-home declared by nonstate actors; it is a brainwave rather than a sound government policy”.
The ESSF observed that if the government had thought through it, the administration would have first called a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the government’s new step to end insecurity and provide honest suggestions on the way forward which all groups would accept to implement from an agreed day.
The ESSG regretted that with “the government order failing as most Enugu people last Monday observed sit-at-home as usual, out of fear of vicious attacks by nonstate actors, the state government took a panic measure by calling for a meeting of all kinds of stakeholders yesterday (Saturday) at the Old Governor’s Lodge in GRA, Enugu.
“The meeting should have been called before announcing the cancellation as no right-thinking person puts the cart before the horse.
“The central issue in ending the destructive sit-at-home order is deploying security forces everywhere, from markets to government offices to motor parks to major and minor roads, and all other public places.
“The people will defy IPOB and its agents once there is a fair assurance of security”.
The group also faulted the government for implementing the cancellation before the appointment of key government officials.
“It is top government officials like the Commissioner for Security and the Special Adviser on Security who will drive the implementation of this security step and take responsibility for it, not just the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, a fellow Nkanu person who is the only person appointed by Mbah since assumption of office”.
The ESSF criticised the meeting at the Old Governor’s Lodge “for having only one item on the agenda: endorsement of the anti-sit-at-home order, which looks pretty sycophantic.
“It should have discussed in a serious manner modalities for the success of the government’s cancellation of the order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that has been taking a tremendous toll on the entire people of the Southeast.
“The government’s resounding failure or inability to think correctly before taking action is what normally obtains when the people did not choose a government, and so does all manner of things to gain acceptance.
“Security is not provided through populism and all such acts of playing to the gallery”.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has concluded proceedings at the State High Court in Kaduna and is now proceeding to the Federal High Court for the continuation of another suit.
El-Rufai, who was earlier present at the State High Court for the continuation of his trial, left the premises after the sitting ended.
He is expected to appear before the Federal High Court in Kaduna for further proceedings related to another case.
Security presence remained visible around both court premises as proceedings attracted attention from observers and supporters.
Details of the proceedings at the Federal High Court are expected to emerge as the matter continues.
The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, on Tuesday morning arrived at the Kaduna State High Court for the trial, and there after he is expected to proceed to the Federal High Courtfor continuation of his proceedings.
The former governor arrived at the Kaduna State High Court amid tight security presence, as legal teams from both sides prepare to continue hearing in the matter. El-Rufai is also scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court for continuation of related legal processes.
The case continues to attract significant public attention, with observers closely monitoring developments across both courts.
Details of the matters to be addressed in both courts have not been fully disclosed, but outcomes from the hearings are expected to influence the direction of the trial.
Nigeria officially welcomed the African Games Bid Evaluation Committee on Monday, marking a significant step in the nation’s quest to host the 2031 African Games.
The delegation, led by Dr. Decius Chipande, was received by top officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and treated to a comprehensive and compelling presentation showcasing Nigeria’s readiness, capacity, and vision to host a memorable Games.
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, in his remarks, reaffirmed the solid support of the Federal Government for the bid.
He emphasized that hosting the African Games remains a national priority, backed by strong political will and a commitment to deliver world-class infrastructure, seamless organization, and a lasting legacy for African sports.
Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, presented Nigeria’s strategic sponsorship and marketing framework, outlining innovative approaches to funding and commercial partnerships.
He noted that Nigeria’s large market, vibrant sports culture, and growing private sector interest provide a solid foundation for a financially successful Games.
Providing further depth to the bid, ace broadcaster and Bid Coordinator, Mainasara Ilo, delivered an engaging presentation on legacy, highlighting how the Games would catalyze youth development, infrastructure expansion, and community impact across the country.
On the technical front, former Director of Medicine at the Commission, Dr. Paul Onyedo, detailed Nigeria’s preparedness in sports medicine and its scientific approach to anti-doping, testing, and athlete health management, aligning with international best practices.
In addition, Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa presented the country’s comprehensive welfare framework, assuring the Committee of Nigeria’s readiness to provide a safe, secure, and athlete-centered environment throughout the Games.
The Evaluation Committee commended Nigeria’s presentation, noting the clarity of vision, depth of planning, and strong alignment between government and private sector stakeholders.
The Committee commenced inspection of key facilities on Monday, with further assessments on Tuesday.
Nigeria remains confident that its compelling bid, backed by experience, infrastructure, and national commitment, positions the country strongly to host a historic and impactful African Games.
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