L-R : Senator Osita Ngwu, Hon. Sunday Umeha, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Barr. Victor Udeh (C.O S to Gov. Mbah) and HRH Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu during the Enugu West Mega Rally for President Tinubu, Gov.Mbah, held on Saturday, April 18th at Awgu.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A major political rally held at the Awgu Local Government headquarters in Enugu State on Saturday, April 18, climaxed in an open session of a people’s assembly presided over by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Ngwu stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering tangible democratic dividends across the country, particularly in the South East and Enugu State.
He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for matching words with action, noting visible development strides across the state.
His words: “Today, we can see the best Command and Control Centre to help improve our security in Enugu. We have Smart Schools in every one of our wards. We have seen Type-2 Healthcare Centres. We have seen roads.
“Before now, if you were going to Aguobu Owa through 9th Mile, it would seem like a journey of no return. But now, it takes you only a few minutes. It is the handiwork of Governor Peter Mbah. These are not promises; these are realities; these are dividends of democracy. This is what happens when leadership is bold. No weakness, no excuse, no apologies. Just results.
“At the national level, we have seen the transformational effects of the President. We are benefiting here in the South East and Enugu State in particular. We thank our governor, who was bold and did not delay to connect us to the centre,” Ngwu stated.
The senator subsequently called for motions to determine whether the endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah had the backing of the large crowd gathered from across Enugu West.
Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha, representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, moved the motion for President Tinubu’s re-election, citing ongoing infrastructure projects by the federal government.
Umeha said: “Having totally examined the good works President Tinubu is doing in Nigeria, the South East and Enugu state in particular, and his political relationship with our Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Having seen the on going reconstruction of Enugu to Onitsha express road, the Enugu to Port Harcourt express road, among others, We, the people of Enugu West district hereby endorse the re election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On February 16, 2027, We shall vote for him”.
The motion was seconded by Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, a director at the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
He stated: “Mindful of the fact that President Tinubu has approved three Federal Universities for the South East zone, Mindful of several programme for our Youths on skill acquisition, We the people of Enugu West Senatorial zone unanimously moved for endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office”.
The endorsement was adopted through a unanimous voice vote, with no dissenting motion.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Barr. Uche Ugwu, moved a motion supporting Governor Mbah’s re-election bid.
Speaker Ugwu stated: ‘From what we have seen in Governor Mbah’s performance, I move a motion for him to continue from 2027-2031″.
He added: “We are giving you the legislative framework to aid governance and we are in a hurry to endorse you so you can continue with your good works in your second tenure”.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Magnus Edeh, representing Aninri Constituency, and was also adopted through a unanimous voice vote.
In a significant development, Senator Ngwu, alongside Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River) and Hon. Sunday Umeha, announced a donation of N100 million for the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination form for Governor Mbah. They pledged to cover any additional cost if the form exceeds the amount.
Earlier, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu said the rally was aimed at reaffirming Enugu West as a strong political base for Governor Mbah, assuring massive electoral support in 2027.
The event also attracted prominent figures, including former military governors from the zone, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd) and Group Captain Joe Orji, who endorsed both Tinubu and Mbah for second terms.
Madueke stated: “The testimonies today are accurate. The people have spoken. All we want to do is to ask you to go back and do more”.
Among dignitaries present were Senator Jim Nwobodo, represented by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, and former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who attended in person.
Nnamani cautioned against political promises of single-term agreements, saying: “They will not keep to such promises. Some people tell lies with confidence. You should be careful. As for Enugu State, you have waited for four years, with another four years remaining. But any other candidate apart from Mbah does not guarantee Enugu West’s turn by 2031. Besides, currently on the stage, we have someone with integrity and performance. Even among his colleague governors, he is highly rated. And he is ready to continue to perform,” he said.
The Enugu State APC Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, noted that it has become a tradition for governors in the state to serve two terms since 1999, expressing confidence that Mbah would be re-elected.
Other party leaders, including Dr. Ben Nwoye and Chief Ugo Agballa, also supported the endorsement of both Tinubu and Mbah.
In his response, Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support.
He said: “This rally is of epic proportions. Nothing prepared me for this. You have also become standard bearers for equity, justice, fairness, and unity. You are also showing that you are not lightheaded; that you are strategic,” he stated.
On President Tinubu’s policies, he added: “You have shown that you cannot stand on the margins in recognising the programmes, the policies, and the projects that Mr. President has brought to us here in Enugu.
“By this endorsement, you are recognising the positive results of Mr. President’s efforts in the stabilisation of our macro indicators, making sure that our foreign exchange is stabilised; that our inflation rate is trending downwards; that our foreign reserves are growing above the $50 billion mark, and that the states now have enough money to execute massive projects. The local governments in Enugu State are also executing numerous projects that I am being invited almost on a weekly basis to come and commission,” he stated.
Mbah pledged to continue delivering on his mandate and assured that President Tinubu would not disappoint Nigerians.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the chairman and co-chairman of the organising committee, Senator Ben Collins Ndu and Barr. Charles Egumgbe, commended the massive turnout, describing it as a clear indication of grassroots support for the governor.
