Onoh Upbraids Arewa Youths for seeking impeachment Against Gov Mbah

Chairman, Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly and Former South East Spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has berated the Arewa Youth Assembly over the group's call for impeachment of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

The group had in a statemente, on Sunday, asked the Enugu and Oyo States Houses of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against their Governors for allegedly spearheading the failed removal of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

Onoh described the Arewa Youth call as a reckless, baseless, and divisive provocation that must be condemned. 

He said that the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly view the actions of Arewa Youths Assembly not only as misguided but as an active undermining of the stability of the federation and distraction from the real threats facing Nigeria.

"This is not the first time certain Arewa youth platforms have been deployed as political tools by desperate politicians to attack federal and state institutions. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, similar groups have repeatedly issued threats, ultimatums, and protest notices against his administration on various issues."

Such issues, Onoh recalled, include threats of protests over the relocation of CBN and FAAN offices to Lagos in January 2024, framed as Northern marginalization; the Planned nationwide protests against economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and naira floating, between July and August 2024; the repeated demands to sack the Defence Minister or Chief of Defence Staff over insecurity; and the criticisms of federal appointments perceived as excluding Northern youths, alongside warnings tied to 2027 elections.

"These episodic outbursts, often amplified and then disowned by rival Arewa factions, reveal a clear pattern: certain youth groups are being leveraged by opposition figures and aggrieved politicians to generate media pressure and sow division, rather than engaging constructively. The same tactic is now being extended to a performing governor in the South East.

"Governor Peter Mbah is a performing leader delivering tangible results in Enugu State. In just two years, his administration has constructed or rehabilitated over 1,000 kilometers of roads, commissioned the 9th Mile 24/7 Water Scheme delivering over 70 million litres daily, established 260 farm estates with hundreds of tractors, passed major reform bills including the Enugu State Electricity Law, and invested in smart schools, a 300-bed specialist hospital, CNG initiatives, and youth empowerment programs.

"These verifiable achievements demonstrate an infrastructure revolution and economic diversification drive aimed at growing Enugu’s economy from ~$4.4 billion to $30 billion. Governor Mbah enjoys broad support across Enugu and the South East, Onoh said.

He stated that Governor Mbah will not only complete his full term but will win re-election overwhelmingly in 2027 to continue his transformative agenda, adding that the people of Enugu have seen the evidence and will reward performance, not external noise or political mischief.

"We sternly warn these groups and their sponsors: Desist from this dangerous path of interference in Enugu’s internal affairs. The persistent activities of terrorists, bandits, and insurgents in Northern Nigeria are what truly undermine our national unity and the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. These elements have caused thousands of deaths, mass displacements, economic sabotage (especially agriculture and food security), and diverted massive national resources from development to security operations. 

"Distracting from these core national security and economic challenges by targeting a performing Southern governor achieves nothing productive. It only exacerbates ethnic and regional tensions at a time when all zones should collaborate to support the President’s security and renewal efforts.

"The Forum of Former Enugu Assembly Members stands firmly with Governor Peter Mbah. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, including our brothers in the North, to prioritize peace, unity, and development over divisive politics. Enugu is focused on building; let others join in nation-building instead of distraction.

"Nigeria will rise when every region confronts its challenges responsibly and supports excellence wherever it exists. Peter Mbah is excellence in action — his tenure and re-election are assured."