The Peoples Redemption Party in Enugu State has challenged Governor Peter Mbah’s assessment of his administration, calling for proof that higher public revenue and extensive capital projects have improved residents’ daily economic circumstances.
The party said the state government appeared to prioritise construction spending and revenue expansion over welfare measures such as reducing poverty, generating employment, raising household earnings and broadening economic opportunity.
Quick facts
- PRP governorship candidate Ray Kene Ogbodo questioned whether stronger state revenue has benefited households and small businesses.
- Governor Peter Mbah presented an update on his manifesto delivery at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu on Thursday.
- Mbah said his government had advanced Enugu’s standing as a place to live, conduct business, invest and visit.
- Ogbodo said infrastructure must be matched by progress in poverty reduction, jobs and household welfare.
Ogbodo made the remarks in a weekend statement circulated to journalists by his media aide, Hon. Don Victor. His response came after Mbah outlined achievements in several sectors since taking office in May 2023.
At the presentation in Enugu, Mbah said his administration had recorded major gains in efforts to restore the state’s appeal for residents, businesses, investors and tourists.
Ogbodo, however, said the key issue was whether the government’s reported revenue increase had produced visible financial gains for ordinary people. “The central issue is whether Enugu residents are becoming more prosperous, or whether only the government is getting richer,” he said.
He said the claimed rise in internally generated revenue required clearer disclosure of its effect on family finances and smaller enterprises.
“If public revenue rises sharply, citizens should experience matching improvements in their own lives,” Ogbodo said. He asked how many households had moved out of poverty, how many lasting jobs had been created and how many distressed businesses had received substantial assistance.
Those indicators, he said, should be the basis of a credible record of government performance.
The PRP candidate recognised the value of investments in roads, schools, health facilities and other public assets. But he argued that such projects should not take attention away from residents’ immediate economic needs.
Ogbodo also said public funds should be used to spread prosperity broadly rather than allow development gains to accrue mainly to a small privileged group.
“People need to be alive, healthy and economically secure before they can benefit from the infrastructure under construction,” he said. “A well-built road has limited meaning for a household unable to pay for food.”
