APC: Gov Mbah lists benefits of Enugu's 'connection to the center'

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu has enumerated the gains that have accrued to the state since the state became an All Progressives Congress (APC) ruling state.

He noted that connecting the state to the national mainstream politics has attracted the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu which he said will now make more international flights available in the coal city.

Governor Mbah also said that the federal government has been able to make more funds available to the states, just like he disclosed that the President has approved the extension of railway from Aba to Enugu and for Gas pipeline to pass through Enugu.

The Governor spoke during the state Congress of the APC held in Okpara square Enugu, on Tuesday.

At the Congress, the former state PDP chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike emerged the state chairman of APC in the 37 executive members of the party, with Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie as state Secretary of the party.

Commending President Tinubu’s policies, the governor said, “The bold and courageous policies that Mr. President initiated at the centre have allowed more funds to flow to the subnationals. This is part of the reason why the transformations and projects you are seeing across Enugu today are a reality.

“They are a reality because the President has, through his bold initiatives, been able to ease the macroeconomic pressure. We can see the exchange rate stabilising. We can also see the naira being strengthened. We can see our foreign reserves, for the first time in 13 years, hitting the 50 billion dollar mark. It did not happen by accident, but by courageous policies and initiatives.

"We can also see how connecting to the centre has benefited us all in Enugu. The international airport and the cargo terminal in Enugu have been concessioned to a private investor. It means that Enugu State will soon become a major aviation hub. Our sons and daughters can now fly from Enugu to anywhere in the world. Thanks to Mr. President.

“Through connecting to the centre, we have gotten approval from Mr. President for the construction and completion of the railway that stopped in Aba. Very soon, we will commute not only by road, but also by rail. So, our dream of a multimodal transport system has just become a reality.

“The President also gave approval for the South East Development Commission. There are also plans for the high-pressure gas pipeline that is here in Enugu. Within the next 18 months, we are to get it down to Enugu, which will unlock the energy potential in Enugu.”