The Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, has dismissed allegations that Governor Peter Mbah directed the board to deny former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the use of Michael Okpara Square for a campaign rally.
Mbah described the allegation as false and misleading, insisting that Governor Mbah had no involvement in the matter and issued no directive concerning the request.
In a press statement dated November 12, 2026, the tourism board chairman explained that a representative of the NDC approached the manager of Michael Okpara Square, in her presence, to request the use of the facility.
According to her, the individual was informed that the venue had already been fully booked weeks earlier for government and other activities scheduled for the Christmas and New Year period, when demand for the facility is usually high.
She said she personally explained the booking situation to the applicant, who allegedly insisted on submitting the request letter and subsequently resorted to verbal abuse.
Mbah further stated that more than five people witnessed the incident, adding that other applicants, including religious organisations, had also been unable to secure the facility because they submitted their requests after the available dates had been booked.
She maintained that the decision was strictly based on the existing booking schedule and had nothing to do with political considerations or instructions from the state governor.
The chairman expressed concern over what she described as attempts to manufacture false narratives and attribute them to the governor without documentary evidence.
She urged the public to disregard the allegation, stressing that the public deserved factual information rather than stories allegedly designed to stir political sentiments.
