…Says Governor Has Redefined Leadership
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State continues to consolidate his growing political influence as the five autonomous communities of the Ette Ancient Kingdom, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, hosted a grand civic reception in his honour, pledging unwavering loyalty and total support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The historic event, held on Saturday at the Community Central School, Ette, drew an unprecedented crowd of political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, and community stakeholders, all gathered to celebrate what they described as Governor Mbah’s unmatched commitment to development and inclusive governance.
The people of Ette— an Igala-speaking enclave long marginalized in state affairs — expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for what they termed a new era of recognition and progress for their communities. They also reaffirmed their solidarity with the governor’s political direction following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The civic reception, which also honoured the Vice Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government, Dr. Abah Joe Idenyi, attracted top political figures from Enugu North Senatorial Zone, including Rt. Hon. Denis Agbo, member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, Deputy Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Ejike Jude Eze, Chief Whip and member representing Igbo-Eze North I Constituency; and Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Deputy ALGON Chairman and Chairman, Igbo-Eze South Local Government.
In their separate goodwill messages, the leaders commended Governor Mbah’s performance, describing him as “the best governor in the country” and “the pride of Enugu State.” They vowed that the Nsukka Zone would repay his developmental strides with massive electoral support in 2027, stressing that his leadership has earned him a formidable place in the political landscape of the state.
‘Ette’s Love for Mbah Is a Statement of Trust’ — Onyia
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who attended as a friend of the community, said the large turnout reflected the people’s genuine appreciation for Governor Mbah’s inclusive governance.
“What I have seen today from the Ette people is quite encouraging,” Onyia said. “They have come out en masse to support Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the governor of the state. It is remarkable and shows that everyone supports him because of his developmental strides and integrity. Ette people have demonstrated that they stand firmly behind a leader devoted to service.”
Ette Youths Receive Motorcycles for Their Loyalty
A major highlight of the ceremony was the donation of three brand-new motorcycles by Hon. Ejike Jude Eze to commercial motorcyclists from the three political wards of the kingdom, as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support for Governor Mbah and their son, Dr. Abah Joe Idenyi.
“I present these motorcycles today because of the massive support Ette Kingdom has given to the governor — even before he assumed office,” Hon. Eze declared. “During the ‘Obidient Wave’ that swept across the state, the governor won only in the three wards of Ette out of 20 in Igbo-Eze North. The people supported him in faith, and today, less than three years in office, he has delivered. Ette is now reaping the fruits of that trust.”
‘Mbah Has Favoured Us Beyond Imagination’ — Idenyi
In his remarks, Dr. Abah Joe Idenyi, the Vice Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, commended the governor for extending infrastructural and political inclusion to Ette. He listed ongoing projects in the community, including three Smart Green Schools, three Type-2 Healthcare Centres, and 13.1 kilometres of internal roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Mobility Project (RAMP).
He also cited the 31-kilometre Nsukka–Ibagwa Aka–Ogurute–Ette–Ogugu Road, recently approved by the Mbah administration, linking Enugu to Kogi State.
“This administration has favoured Ette beyond our imagination,” Idenyi stated. “With these projects, our people can now transport their produce more easily, boosting the local economy. As we say, ‘Thank you is an application for more,’ and in 2027, Ette people will show their gratitude with their votes.”
‘Ette’s Bond with Nkanu Is Historical’ — Mbah
Responding on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, conveyed Governor Mbah’s gratitude to the Ette people for their steadfast support and trust.
He noted that Mbah’s victory in all three Ette wards during the 2023 governorship election was “a continuation of a long-standing political bond between Ette and the Nkanu clan since 1999.”
“The governor remains deeply committed to sustaining this partnership through tangible development and inclusivity,” Ogbodo said, assuring that the cordial relationship between the government and the Ette Kingdom would continue to yield lasting benefits.
