Tinubu pledges more support for states

• Mbah leads Enugu stakeholders to back president’s re-election

Enugu stakeholders yesterday got President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance of a stronger federal collaboration to drive development at the sub-national levels.

The President identified the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line; power sector reforms and other critical infrastructure as some of the key projects that would receive sustained attention.

The stakeholders, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke; his spouse Ngozi; and one-time Information Minister Frank Nweke Jr, were led by the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Others in the entourage to President Tinubu at the State House were: elder statesmen Chief Jim Nwobodo; Senator Osita Ngwu; Fr. Ejike Mbaka; Bishop Christian Onyia; Igwe S Asadu; Osita Okechukwu; Dr. Dan Sherry; and former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala.

Tinubu traced Nigeria’s development and growth challenges to the failure of past administrations to adopt a serious long-term planning framework, particularly in the financing of critical infrastructure.

The President noted that successive governments had attempted to fund long-term projects with short-term resources, a mismatch, he said, had hindered sustainable development.

“What has been the problem in the past is Nigeria trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding. We have not embarked upon serious long-term outlook for our country,” Tinubu told his guests.

He, however, expressed optimism that with committed and visionary leadership at sub-national levels, Nigeria has returned to the right trajectory toward becoming a leading nation on the African continent.

Commending Mbah for his transformative leadership in Enugu State, the President cited visible improvements in security, infrastructure, education and healthcare as evidence that reforms were yielding tangible results.

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“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes, and that Nigeria is moving forward,” he said.

Tinubu assured the delegation of continued collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to drive development at the grassroots.

He stressed the importance of collective effort across all tiers of government, urging state leaders to extend development initiatives to local governments for broader impact.

“It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, sub-national, and local government levels. Please, do more for the local governments,” the President added.

President Tinubu also acknowledged the delegation’s declaration of political support, describing it as inspiring, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

According to him, the vision of a prosperous Nigeria is achievable through sustained focus and unity of purpose, despite criticisms and political opposition.

“Democracy will survive despite all the intimidations. Stay focused. When you are succeeding and they are angry, leave them in their corner,” he advised.

Explaining the mission of the Enugu leading lights at the Villa, Mbah said the visit was to express appreciation for Federal Government interventions in the Southeast and to reaffirm the state’s support for Tinubu’s administration.

The governor highlighted several federal projects and policies impacting the state, including the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail infrastructure projects.

He noted that the reconstruction of over 100 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and progress on the Enugu–Onitsha road had significantly improved connectivity, while the planned completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line would further boost economic activities in the region.

Mbah also identified the extension of the national gas pipeline to Enugu as a major step toward unlocking the state’s energy potential and positioning it as a regional energy hub.

On governance outcomes, the governor said security incidents in the state had reduced significantly, while investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure were transforming livelihoods.

He disclosed that Enugu’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen sharply, enabling the state to fund large-scale development projects, including over 1,000 kilometres of roads, smart schools, healthcare centres, and agricultural initiatives.

Mbah attributed the progress to alignment between federal reforms and state-level implementation, particularly policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and fiscal reforms.

He reaffirmed the support of Enugu people for President Tinubu, declaring that the state would stand with him in the 2027 general election.

Mbah said: “This relationship has earned our trust and support. On that basis, we will stand proudly with you on election day in January 2027.”

Nnamani said the Enugu leaders were in the Presidential Villa to thank the President for his support for their domain and the Southeast, with many interventions in infrastructure like roads, railways, aviation.

He said: “We have a leader in Enugu State. We have a leader, and we have confidence in him. He is leading us right.

“We have come to say thank you. The great achievements under his leadership would not have been possible without your support. He is making excellent use of your support.

“The entire population of Enugu State, of more than seven million people, would have loved to come here to say a big thank you, Mr. President. You will benefit tremendously from the support,’’ the former Senate President added.

Nnamani reaffirmed the state’s support for the President re-election next year.