President Tinubu in Enugu: Calls for Unity and National Development

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration during his first official visit to Enugu State. Speaking at an interactive session with South-East leaders, the President stressed the need to move beyond political divisions and focus on nation-building. Tinubu remarked, “No one of us has control of our mother tongue. We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house. We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs.”

Acknowledging the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah, Tinubu praised his commitment to human and infrastructural development. The President lauded the governor’s strides in advancing Enugu State’s growth, stating, “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. Leaders like you are setting an example for others to follow, proving that development transcends political affiliations.”

Optimism for Eastern Rail Line and Anambra Basin Development

Tinubu assured South-East leaders of his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, which connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Highlighting the significance of the project, he noted that it would boost non-oil exports and foster economic growth across the region. “It is a work-in-progress,” Tinubu said, adding, “I inherited some of these critical problems, and I am committed to solving them.”

Additionally, the President pledged to unlock the vast oil and gas potential of the Anambra Basin. Experts, including Mr. Chris Ngwu, emphasized the importance of this development, describing the basin as holding over one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. Tinubu expressed confidence in achieving this milestone, stating, “Gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no better time than now to invest in this resource, and I am lucky to have supportive governors.”

Subsidy Removal: A Necessary Sacrifice

President Tinubu defended his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, emphasizing its necessity for Nigeria’s economic stability. “We cannot spend the future generation yet unborn in advance,” he stated. Tinubu explained that the subsidy removal was a difficult but vital decision to secure the nation’s financial future and prevent bankrupting future generations.

The President also reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to diversifying energy sources, particularly through investments in gas infrastructure. “The focus on gas is critical for our transition to sustainable energy solutions,” Tinubu added.

Praise for Governor Mbah and South-East Leaders

During his visit, Tinubu inaugurated several projects in Enugu, including the GTC Smart Green School, International Conference Centre, and a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre. He commended Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership, calling him a “true federalist” and a model for other leaders. “You are indeed working for today, tomorrow, and the future,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the governor’s efforts in fostering technological advancement and private sector involvement in governance.

Governor Mbah, in turn, praised Tinubu’s leadership and described him as a unifying force. The governor lauded Tinubu for his contributions to national development and congratulated him on receiving the THISDAY Man of the Year Award. South-East leaders, meanwhile, urged the President to address security challenges in the region by dismantling unnecessary roadblocks and checkpoints.

With his visit to Enugu, President Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s focus on inclusive governance, infrastructural development, and economic growth, marking a new chapter in federal-state collaboration.

Mbah Lauds Tinubu as True Federalist, Celebrates THISDAY Award

At an interactive session, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, hailed President Bola Tinubu as a “true federalist,” commending his leadership qualities and congratulating him for being named THISDAY Man of the Year. Governor Mbah praised Tinubu’s federalist credentials, asserting that his legacy will continue to earn him widespread acclaim.

“Your Excellency, your credential as a true federalist stands out brightly, and the legacies thereof will long earn you resounding accolades,” Mbah said during the event. He further emphasized his administration’s vision to transform Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years. According to Mbah, achieving this ambitious goal requires a foundation of guaranteed security, thriving education, and accessible healthcare.

The governor also highlighted the bold steps taken to enhance public safety in Enugu State. Among these measures is the termination of the illegal sit-at-home order, previously enforced by criminal elements in the South-east. Mbah reiterated his commitment to creating a conducive environment for economic growth and social development.

South-east Leaders Push for Removal of Checkpoints

During the session, South-east leaders presented a united front, calling on President Tinubu to dismantle roadblocks and checkpoints across the region. These obstructions, they argued, have not only stifled economic activity but have also become security risks. Speaking on behalf of the zone, Onyemuche Nnamani, the South-east Commissioner at the Police Service Commission (PSC), emphasized that modern technology could replace outdated security practices.

“With the launch of ultra-modern statewide CCTV systems, command and control centres, and surveillance cameras on patrol cars, traditional roadblocks are no longer necessary,” Nnamani stated. He explained that these checkpoints significantly increase logistics costs, driving up inflation and making the movement of goods inefficient.

Nnamani urged President Tinubu to adopt modern strategies for securing the region, ensuring both economic efficiency and public safety. The leaders expressed optimism that dismantling roadblocks would stimulate economic growth and reduce the financial burden on businesses and citizens in the zone.