The State Chairman of Enugu Youths, Comr. Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh, has urged young people in the state to rise above “selective criticisms driven by hidden political motives” and focus on supporting ongoing governance reforms under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Enugu, Okoh dismissed claims that political endorsements ahead of 2027 were “premature,” stressing that such expressions are part of democratic culture.
“There is nothing ‘premature’ about political endorsements in Enugu State. Endorsements are part and parcel of democracy—expressions of choice and confidence in leadership. No law, constitution, or moral standard forbids individuals, communities, or organizations from openly declaring support for any leader at any time,” he stated.
Okoh argued that denying Ndi Enugu the right to express confidence in their leaders before 2027 amounts to suppressing their constitutional right to free speech and association.
The youth leader also countered allegations that Governor Mbah’s administration has neglected human capital development. According to him, the government has rolled out several youth-focused initiatives within just two years.
“The Skill-Up Enugu programme has trained thousands of youths, alongside massive ICT-driven reforms in education and governance, agricultural empowerment schemes, scholarship opportunities, and other capacity-building programmes,” Okoh explained.
He added that while citizens can legitimately ask for more, “we cannot deny the progress already achieved.”
Okoh also addressed concerns over taxation in the state, insisting that the reforms are necessary for economic growth and sustainability.
“Every responsible government must build a sustainable revenue base to drive development. Enugu’s tax reforms are part of a broader strategy to reduce overdependence on federal allocations and achieve the $30 billion GDP vision,” he said.
He outlined steps already taken, including the simplification of tax processes, elimination of multiple taxation, plugging loopholes through technology-driven e-payments, and the creation of support systems for SMEs through grants, loans, and business-friendly policies.
“It is misleading to focus only on challenges without acknowledging remedies already in place—more so when Ndi Enugu are seeing the dividends of the taxes they pay,” he added.
On the issue of political endorsements, Okoh emphasized that such gestures do not determine electoral outcomes.
“Endorsements do not predetermine electoral outcomes. They are simply expressions of preference. When the time comes in 2027, Ndi Enugu will freely and intelligently make their choice at the ballot box. To insinuate otherwise is to undermine the sovereignty and wisdom of our people,” he stressed.
The youth leader maintained that the real focus should remain on governance, not premature political arguments. He listed several ongoing projects and reforms being championed by Governor Mbah.
These include aggressive road construction and reconstruction in both rural and urban areas, water projects restoring pipe-borne water to parts of Enugu metropolis after decades, enhanced security measures that have reduced crime and insecurity by 80 percent, and digital innovations in governance.
Okoh further highlighted the government’s massive investments in education.
“The dedication of 33% of Enugu State’s budget to education stands this government out in the entire African continent. We are witnessing the emergence of 260 Smart Green Schools and the transformation of GTC into a world-class Technical, Vocational Education & Training (TVET) College. This will also be replicated in the remaining seven federal constituencies in the state,” he noted.
He said youth empowerment programmes are also ongoing across multiple sectors, stressing that “these are not mere promises; they are realities Ndi Enugu are already experiencing.”
Concluding his remarks, Okoh called on Enugu youths to remain focused on development and unity rather than divisive politics.
“Constructive criticism is welcome, but genuine progress must not be dismissed for the sake of cheap relevance,” he cautioned.
He urged all well-meaning citizens to rally behind Governor Mbah’s administration and contribute meaningfully to building “the Enugu of our dreams.”
“Politics of 2027 will take care of itself when the time comes. Enugu people will vote for good governance and verifiable results. For now, our focus must remain on governance, development, and unity,” Okoh concluded.
