The Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, has explained why the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could not secure Michael Okpara Square for a campaign rally, alleging that the man who submitted the request became verbally abusive after being informed that the facility was fully booked.
Mbah, in a press statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, said the venue had been reserved weeks in advance for government and other activities during the Christmas and New Year season, when demand for the facility is particularly high.
Recounting the encounter, the Tourism Board chairman said the man approached the Manager of Michael Okpara Square in her presence to request the use of the facility but was informed that the available dates had already been taken.
She alleged that the man refused to accept the explanation, practically forced her to receive the request letter and subsequently resorted to verbal abuse, which continued even after she disengaged from the conversation.
“I explained the booking situation to him. He was, however, adamant and practically forced the receipt of the letter on me. He subsequently resorted to verbal abuse, which continued even after I disengaged from the conversation. More than five persons witnessed the incident,” she stated.
Mbah further disclosed that other applicants, including religious organisations, had equally been unable to secure the venue because they submitted their requests after the available dates had been booked.
Addressing claims that Governor Peter Mbah directed her to deny Obi and the NDC access to the facility, the Tourism Board chairman said the governor had no involvement in the decision, which she maintained was based entirely on the existing booking schedule.
“I received no instruction or communication from Governor Mbah concerning the request. The matter was handled strictly in accordance with the facility’s existing booking schedule,” she said.
She faulted a social media publication alleging political interference, accusing those behind it of attempting to create a false narrative without documentary evidence.
“It is unacceptable to manufacture a story, attribute it to the Governor and present it as fact without a single documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. The public deserves facts, not fabricated narratives designed to whip up political sentiments,” she added.
Dame Mbah expressed confidence that her clarification would put the circumstances surrounding the request for Michael Okpara Square in their proper perspective.
