Dr. Alex Ogbonnia
By Tony Adibe
The Association of Emeritus Lawmakers of the Enugu State House of Assembly (AELESHA) has expressed profound delight that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has sustained the success story of the Rangers Football Club.
“We are happy that Mbah keeps the flag flying,” the former legislators said in a press release issued in Enugu by the Chairman of AELESHA, Rt. Hon. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia. He explained that AELESHA consists of all the former Speakers and principal officers.
Ogbonnia said that the emeritus lawmakers at their plenary on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, which was held at the Enugu Sports Club, resolved to congratulate Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on the occasion of his three years in Office.
On the latest victory by Rangers International Football Club, Ogbonnia said in the press release that “Rangers is far beyond a football club, it represents the Igbo war experience, the Igbo indomitable spirit and a phoenix characterisation – the mythical bird that can resurrect from a major catastrophe stronger, smarter and more powerful.”
According to him, “The name ‘Rangers’ represents the Igbo consciousness of ‘never-say-die’, a trait they demonstrated with grit, passion and commitment during the Nigerian Biafran war. In fact, Rangers was the most dogged, formidable, invincible and daring paramilitary unit of the Biafran Armed Forces whose exploits during the war were unassailable. In other words, Rangers represent the Igbo history, resilience, ingenuity, courage, audacity and identity.”
He said that the association noted with immense delight the “robust transformations in transportation sector, especially the Enugu Air, bus terminals, urban road networks and Gateway roads; the 260 electoral ward-based Smart School and Type ii Hospital initiatives; New Enugu Smart City; the International Conference Centre; and the long-abandoned Presidential Hotel, Enugu; over 33% budgetary allocation to education; commissioning of the Haier Factory, a $20 million assembly plant for the manufacturing of laptops, smartphones and their repair spare parts; amongst others.”
It was also noted that the 042 Ride Taxi Youth Empowerment Scheme by the Mbah administration will not only create sustainable job opportunities for young Enugu state indigenes, it will also enhance public transportation services across the state, according to Ogbonnia.
