The huge crowd at the Nsukka Mega Rally
The university town of Nsukka was brought to a standstill on Saturday as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State led a huge “mega rally” in Enugu North Senatorial District.
The event, described by the Governor as a “historic turning point,” saw thousands of supporters gather to endorse his administration and the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NewsBits reports that while addressing the huge crowd during the rally, Governor Mbah expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming show of solidarity. He said that the massive turnout was a testament to the trust the people of Enugu North have in the state government, despite initial fears of marginalization during the 2023 transition period.
Mbah highlighted a significant milestone in the region’s history, crediting President Tinubu for breaking a 65-year-old jinx. He pointed to the recent appointment of an indigene as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as a direct result of the President’s inclusive leadership.
Governor Mbah said: “Your endorsement for the President matters because he was the leader who broke this jinx.” He urged the people to remain committed to the President’s vision ahead of January 2027, promising to convey the district’s message of gratitude directly to the Villa.
Turning to local infrastructure, the Governor announced that the state’s ambitious 135-kilometer rail line project has reached a critical stage. The standard gauge rail, which will run from Ugwuoba through Ninth Mile to Nsukka, is designed to integrate the state’s economy and ease the movement of goods and services.
He also provided an update on the road projects in the zone, promising that the major artery into Nsukka would be commissioned by October this year. According to him, these projects are part of a broader strategy to move Enugu from a $4 billion economy to a $30 billion economic powerhouse within eight years.
Mbah took a moment to address the controversial remodeling of the Ogige Market in Nsukka. While acknowledging the hardship faced by displaced traders, he insisted the move was necessary to prevent a “keg of gunpowder” situation regarding safety and emergency access.
To lessen the impact, the Governor announced a social intervention program. He revealed that the state government would provide “seed capital” to traders directly affected by the market remodelling to help them restart their businesses in a more dignified environment.
The Governor also spoke on the security situation, proudly stating that his administration has “smashed” the illegal sit-at-home orders that previously paralyzed Mondays. He noted that schools and businesses in Nsukka are now booming, liberated from the “paralysis of fear.”
In a subtle swipe at political detractors, Mbah mocked the logic of those who label him a “one-term governor” while simultaneously campaigning for a single term themselves. He described such rhetoric as “antithetical” and “witless,” urging the people to focus on the future of their children instead of petty politics.
“We cannot afford to politicize the future,” Mbah said. He emphasized that his development model is “all-inclusive,” ensuring that no part of the state is left behind in the distribution of resources, particularly in health and education.
Mbah said that Nsukka remains the largest beneficiary of the state’s intervention in the primary healthcare sector. He revealed that 102 primary healthcare centers are currently being operationalized across the zone to ensure every community has access to quality medical services.
He further noted that education has taken the largest share of the state’s budget. The administration’s “cut-off point” policy aims to treat education as a fundamental right rather than an afterthought, positioning Nsukka as the center of excellence in Nigeria.
Mbah also shared plans to revamp moribund industries, mentioning that several state-owned factories would be fully operational by October. He cited the ongoing work at Niger Gas and the United Farm Products as evidence of his commitment to industrialization.
The Governor’s vision for the state also includes the “Enugu Air” project and the transformation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport into a major aviation hub. He stressed that these projects are not for “self-aggrandizement” but for the benefit of the common man.
“Impossible does not exist in our diary,” Mbah told the cheering crowd. He insisted that where there is a will, there is a way, and his administration has already proven skeptics wrong by delivering on “overambitious” campaign promises.
He described the state’s governance as being like “three stones of the hearth,” representing the three senatorial zones. He argued that for the “pot of Enugu” to remain stable, all three zones must be balanced through equity, fairness, and justice.
As the rally drew to a close, the Governor urged the people to protect the progress made so far. He cautioned against allowing “division to scatter what unity has gathered,” calling on all residents to help finish the job of rebuilding the state.
The Nsukka mega rally concluded with a formal endorsement ceremony led by traditional rulers, youth groups, and party leaders. The event solidifies Governor Mbah’s grip on Enugu North, a zone critical to his administration’s “New Enugu” agenda.
