
When Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah assumed office, he came with energy, vision, and a promise to reinvent governance in Enugu State. His ambitious manifesto was clear, digital transformation, 24-hour water supply, job creation, foreign investment, industrialization, and an economy that works for the people. To many, he symbolized the breath of fresh air Enugu desperately needed. And yes credit must be given where it is due.
Governor Mbah has not been sleeping on the job. From attracting foreign investors to introducing reforms in service delivery, his administration has shown signs of action. His efforts to digitize government operations, prioritize innovation, and promote industrial development signal a break from the old order. Projects like the Enugu Tech Hub and strategic economic partnerships have earned him applause in some quarters.
Under his leadership, the state has become more active in the national conversation around development and economic diversification. Clearly, Peter Mbah is working or at least trying to.
But beneath the glamour of boardroom meetings and televised achievements lies a growing storm.
According to recent data, Enugu State’s debt has ballooned from ₦82.48 billion in Q1 2024 to ₦188.42 billion in Q1 2025, an increase of ₦105.95 billion—or 128.4% in just one year. Even worse, ₦69.14 billion was added in a single quarter—from December 2024 to March 2025. These figures are not only alarming—they are unsustainable.
Excessive borrowing, especially without full transparency or visible grassroots impact, tarnishes a state’s image and weakens investor confidence in the long run. Citizens are beginning to ask hard questions: Where is the money going? What are we getting in return?
While the state government says it’s building a modern economy, the people on the ground are bearing the burden and they are crying out:
- Traders and market women are groaning under crippling tax rates, forcing many to close their stalls or reduce their goods.
- Artisans and small business owners say they are taxed multiple times by different agents under the guise of government levies.
- Landlords and tenants alike are lamenting the sharp rise in house rent, fueled in part by increased levies on property and real estate services.
- Civil servants whisper about salary delays and inflated promises, while students and jobseekers see little change in opportunities or living standards.
In a state where income levels are still low and unemployment is a major challenge, these economic pressures create widespread frustration.
Peter Mbah may have the right intentions, but governance is not just about grand visions it’s about execution, empathy, and balance. It is dangerous for a leader to push an economic agenda that looks good on paper but feels like punishment to the average citizen.
Borrowing heavily to fund future growth while simultaneously over-taxing an already struggling population creates a disconnect between the government and the people it claims to serve. And once that trust is broken, no amount of PR can fix it.
The answer may lie in perspective. From the government’s lens, projects are ongoing, targets are being met, and reforms are underway. But from the street vendor in Ogbete Market to the young graduate in Nsukka, the pain is real, the taxes are high, the rent is choking and the debt keeps rising.
Peter Mbah may be working, but if his government continues to work the people instead of working for the people, then the legacy he seeks may slowly erode.
It’s time for reflection, transparency, and a shift toward inclusive governance. A state must not grow in figures while its people shrink in dignity and hope.
By: Godwin Offor