By Brown Chimezie
A prominent son of Enugu State, and lawyer, Olive Udeh, has expressed optimism that Governor Peter Mbah would not disappoint the people of Enugu State.
Speaking while reacting to the Governor of the Year award that was bestowed on Mbah by the Sun Newspapers, Udeh who is a very close friend of the governor and was also one of those who stood by him during the electioneering campaign said that Peter Mbah deserved the award for the good job he is doing for the people of Enugu State since he was sworn into office.
In this interview, he also spoke on some of the achievements of the governor, the expectations of the people of Enugu state, and on other pertinent issues.
You were one of the very few people that stood his ground for Gov. Peter Mbah during the electioneering campaign when others were doing hide and seek, playing double game and hobnobbing with the opposition parties. You also accompanied him to the INEC office to collect his Certificate of Return. How do you feel now that within one year in office as a governor that he won the governor of the year award?
I feel incredibly proud to have stood by Gov. Peter Mbah, during his election campaign and to see him receive recognition as Governor of the Year. It is a validation of his hard work, dedication, and vision for the state. I am honoured to have been a part of his journey and to have supported him in achieving this milestone. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his role and make a positive impact on the state and its people.
As somebody who knows the governor closely, did the award come to you as a surprise?
As someone who knows Gov. Peter Mbah, closely, I can say that the award did not come as a surprise to me. Bill Gates said that the success that one has attained in life before running for a political office is a sign of his leadership skills. Governor Peter Mbah was a very successful entrepreneur before he ran for the office of the governor. He is not among the billionaires without enterprise that we have in the country. So I know his capacity. He did it in the private sector where he was able to build a multi-billion dollars business from bottom –up with his own effort. So what he is doing is just transferring what he has already done in the private sector to the public sector. I have always believed in his leadership abilities, his commitment to the betterment of the state, and his dedication to serving the people. I knew that he was capable of achieving great things as governor, and I am not surprised that he has been recognized for his outstanding performance. I am confident that he will continue to excel in his role and bring even more positive change to the state and beyond.
Rapid economic transformation of Enugu state was his mantra when he was campaigning. To what extent has he achieved that?
Gov. Peter Mbah has made significant strides in achieving rapid economic transformation in Enugu State since taking office. He has implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people.
Gov. Peter Mbah has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including road construction, building of schools and hospitals, and upgrading of public facilities. These investments have not only improved the quality of life for the people but have also created jobs and stimulated economic activity.
The governor has actively promoted investment in the state, attracting both local and foreign investors to set up businesses and industries. This has led to the creation of new job opportunities and the diversification of the state’s economy.
Gov. Peter Mbah has focused on promoting agriculture as a key driver of economic growth in Enugu State. He has provided support to farmers, improved access to markets, and implemented policies to enhance productivity in the agricultural sector.
While there is still more work to be done, Gov. Peter Mbah’s efforts have laid a solid foundation for rapid economic transformation in Enugu State. His commitment to this goal and his proactive approach to governance give me confidence that he will continue to make significant progress in this area.
What are the landmark projects you think that he can deliver by the end of his four years?
As someone who knows Gov. Peter Mbah closely and believes in his leadership abilities, I have confidence that he will be able to deliver several landmark projects by the end of his four-year term. Some potential projects that I believe he can accomplish include:
Establishing industrial parks to attract more industries and create job opportunities for the people of Enugu State. Setting up technology hubs to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development in the state.
Building agricultural processing plants to add value to agricultural products, increase farmers’ income, and boost the state’s economy.
Upgrading and building new healthcare facilities to improve access to quality healthcare services for the people of Enugu State.
Implementing reforms in the education sector to enhance the quality of education, improve infrastructure in schools, and ensure access to education for all children in the state.
These are just a few examples of the landmark projects that Gov. Peter Mbah can potentially deliver by the end of his four-year term. With his dedication, vision, and commitment to the development of Enugu State, I am confident that he will continue to work tirelessly to achieve these goals and leave a lasting legacy for the people of the state.
There seems to be murmuring among the political elites in Enugu state that they are not being well taken care of by the governor How true is that?
As with any political setting, there may be differing opinions and perspectives among political elites in Enugu State regarding how well they are being taken care of by the governor. It is not uncommon for there to be murmurs or dissatisfaction among certain groups within the political class.
However, without specific details or evidence to substantiate these claims, it is difficult to determine the veracity of such statements. It is important to consider the diverse interests and dynamics within the political landscape and recognize that perceptions of how well political elites are being taken care of can vary widely. Ultimately, it is up to the governor and his administration to address any concerns or grievances in a fair and transparent manner, and to strive to maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders, including political elites, in order to effectively govern and implement policies that benefit the state and its people.
The people of Enugu State seem to be unaffected with the protest over economic hardship in different parts of the country. Is there any special way that the governor is taking care of the people?
It is important to remember that public reactions to protests and demonstrations can vary based on a multitude of factors, including the specific issues being protested, the manner in which the protests are carried out, and the overall context of the situation. While protests over economic hardship in other parts of the country may not have had a significant impact in Enugu State, it does not necessarily mean that the people of Enugu State are unaffected by economic challenges or that the governor is not addressing their needs. Gov. Peter Mbah may be implementing various initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the economic well-being of the people of Enugu State. These could include job creation projects, social welfare programmes, infrastructure development, support for small businesses, and other measures to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth. The important thing is that the governor engaged with the citizens in addressing their concerns, and he is working towards improving their quality of life through inclusive and effective governance.
What advice do you have for the people of Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah administration and what kind of support is expected from them by government of Enugu State?
My advice for the people of Enugu State would be to prioritize education, health, and sustainable development in their communities. It is important to invest in quality education for the youth, as they are the future leaders of the state. Additionally, improving healthcare services and infrastructure will ensure that all residents have access to proper medical care.
Furthermore, promoting sustainable development practices, such as renewable energy sources and waste management, will help protect the environment and improve the overall quality of life in Enugu State. Lastly, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among the people of Enugu State will help to build a stronger and more prosperous community for generations to come.
How do you see Enugu after the end of Governor Peter Mbah tenure of office?
After the end of Governor Peter Mbah’s tenure of office in Enugu, I envision a state that has experienced significant progress and development in various sectors. With a focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development, Enugu can become a model for good governance and effective leadership.
I see a state where the quality of education has improved, leading to a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that drives economic growth and innovation. The healthcare system would be robust and accessible to all residents, ensuring better health outcomes for the population.
Infrastructure projects would have been completed or well underway, improving transportation networks, access to clean water, and electricity services. Sustainable development practices would be implemented, protecting the environment and promoting long-term prosperity for future generations.
Overall, I see Enugu as a thriving and vibrant community, with empowered and engaged citizens who actively participate in shaping the future of their state. It will be a place where opportunities abound, and the quality of life for all residents is continually improving.
What advice do you have for the political opponents and those who are trying to pull down Gov Peter Mbah and do you think that they will succeed considering his achievements so far?
My advice for political opponents and those attempting to undermine Governor Mbah would be to focus on constructive criticism and engage in healthy political debate that prioritizes the well-being of the people of Enugu State. It is important to hold leaders accountable for their actions and decisions but this should be done in a respectful and responsible manner. While political opposition is a natural part of the democratic process, it is crucial for all parties to work towards the common goal of improving the state and the lives of its residents. Rather than seeking to pull down individuals, efforts should be directed towards proposing alternative solutions and policies that benefit the greater good. In terms of Governor Peter Mbah’s achievements so far in key areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development, it may be challenging for his opponents to succeed in undermining his reputation. Ultimately, the people of Enugu will be the ones to judge his performance based on tangible results and their lived experiences. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the best interests of the state and its residents above personal or political agenda.