Ray Kene Ogbodo, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Enugu State election, has called on Governor Peter Mbah to review his leadership approach and ensure that government policies translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

Ogbodo warned that ambitious development plans, infrastructure projects and policy announcements would have limited impact if they failed to address the economic pressures and social challenges confronting ordinary citizens.

The governorship candidate made the call in a press statement issued over the weekend and made available to DAILY GAZETTE by his media aide, Hon. Don Victor.

While acknowledging the ambitious vision with which Mbah assumed office, Ogbodo expressed concern that the administration might be losing touch with the everyday realities of Ndi Enugu.

“Governor Mbah may have a vision for Enugu, but vision without effective execution is merely an ambition. Our people cannot eat vision, pay their bills with promises, or build a better future from government announcements that do not sufficiently address their daily struggles,” he said.

Ogbodo identified what he described as an overreliance on familiar political figures and advisers as one of the challenges requiring urgent attention, arguing that governance thrives when leaders receive independent advice and constructive criticism rather than unquestioning loyalty.

According to him, an administration that fails to encourage divergent opinions risks making decisions without adequately considering the concerns and experiences of the people it governs.

“A leader who surrounds himself with people who only tell him what he wants to hear will eventually lose touch with what the people are experiencing. Enugu does not need an echo chamber of political loyalists massaging the ego of the Governor. We need courageous thinkers, competent professionals, and innovative leaders who can challenge assumptions, speak uncomfortable truths, and deliver meaningful results,” he stated.

The PRP candidate questioned the extent to which the administration’s programmes in infrastructure, education, economic development and public sector reform were translating into higher household incomes, sustainable employment opportunities and relief from economic hardship.

He noted that while infrastructure and long-term development projects were necessary, the government must also pay sufficient attention to immediate social and economic needs, particularly those of low-income households and vulnerable residents.

“You cannot claim meaningful transformation when the people who are supposed to benefit from it continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. Development must be measured not only by the projects government commissions but by the quality of life of the people it serves,” Ogbodo said.

He further argued that effective governance required an environment in which professionals, public servants and other stakeholders could question existing policies and recommend alternatives without fear of displeasing those in authority.

The former 2023 governorship candidate maintained that leaders must be willing to reassess their decisions when policies fail to produce their intended outcomes.

“The danger facing any administration is not necessarily a lack of ideas but the inability to recognise when existing ideas are failing to produce the expected results. When political loyalty becomes more important than competence, and public relations begins to overshadow performance, governance risks losing its purpose,” he added.

Ogbodo consequently called for a comprehensive review of the state government’s leadership and policy direction, particularly in taxation, employment generation, support for small businesses, rural development, healthcare and the welfare of vulnerable groups.

He urged Mbah to expand the administration’s advisory and decision-making structures to accommodate independent professionals, experienced technocrats, community representatives, young innovators and other individuals with practical knowledge of the challenges facing the state.

He also advocated stronger transparency, accountability and public engagement, insisting that government priorities should be informed by the genuine needs of residents.

“Enugu does not belong to any political party, governor, or privileged political class. It belongs to the people. Every government policy, programme, and public investment must ultimately answer one fundamental question: How does this improve the lives of Ndi Enugu?” he asked.

The PRP governorship candidate said his intervention was intended to promote responsible leadership and constructive political engagement rather than undermine the state government.

He maintained that the role of opposition parties should extend beyond criticism to proposing workable alternatives, scrutinising government performance and holding public officeholders accountable.

“As a former governorship candidate in 2023 and a PRP governorship candidate for 2027, I believe Enugu deserves leadership that combines vision with competence, integrity, accountability, and measurable performance. Our responsibility is to challenge what is not working, acknowledge what is working, and offer practical alternatives that can move our state forward,” he said.

Ogbodo urged Mbah to use the remaining period of his administration to reassess the effectiveness of his leadership team, strengthen the connection between government policies and citizens’ needs, and prioritise programmes capable of delivering direct economic and social benefits.

He argued that political praise and publicity should not be mistaken for public satisfaction or measurable development.

“Governor Mbah must understand that political applause is not public approval, publicity is not performance, and ambitious promises are not substitutes for measurable progress. The people of Enugu are not asking for miracles. They are asking for leadership that understands their suffering and delivers solutions,” he stated.

Ogbodo concluded with a call for a shift towards people-centred governance, insisting that the state’s development agenda must be judged by its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

“It is time to rethink leadership. It is time to move beyond political echo chambers and put the people first. Enugu needs results, not excuses. Above all, Enugu deserves better,” he said.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday dismissed a N120 million fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The court ruled that the suit lacked merit and awarded N200,000 each in costs to the DSS, EFCC and ICPC.

Delivering judgment, Justice Sylvanus Orji held that the invitation letters issued to El-Rufai by the EFCC and ICPC complied with constitutional requirements and did not infringe on his fundamental rights.

The former governor had approached the court to challenge the actions of the agencies, including an alleged attempt by the DSS to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the seizure of his international passport.

On the attempted arrest, Justice Orji dismissed El-Rufai’s argument that the DSS could not act without a warrant.

The judge held that the agency possessed police powers under its establishing instrument and the National Security Agencies Act.

The court also affirmed the DSS’s authority to maintain watchlists and arrest persons of interest, noting that El-Rufai could not use the judicial process to prevent security agencies from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Addressing the seizure of his international passport, the judge held that the action fell within the DSS’s powers and was lawful in the circumstances presented before the court.

Justice Orji further ruled that El-Rufai had failed to establish that the seizure was continuous, permanent and unlawful, adding that the former governor had not sufficiently demonstrated a violation of his fundamental rights.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State chapter, has announced plans to begin settling outstanding gratuities owed to retired local government workers, with the arrears dating back to 2000.

The Deputy Chairman of Enugu State ALGON, Hon. Ferdinand Ukwueze, disclosed this while briefing Government House correspondents in Enugu after the 40th meeting of the Enugu State Economic Planning Commission, chaired by Governor Peter Mbah.

Ukwueze, who is also the Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, said the 17 local government councils in the state had agreed to earmark 10 per cent of their monthly allocations for the payment of the inherited gratuity obligations.

According to him, the arrangement would commence in October and continue until the outstanding arrears are fully settled.

The announcement comes barely a week after the Enugu State Executive Council approved over ₦32 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired state government workers, whose entitlements also date back to 2000.

Describing the councils’ decision as a significant step towards improving retirees’ welfare, Ukwueze said the local government system had resolved to align with the state government’s initiative to clear accumulated gratuity liabilities.

“One of the high points of today’s meeting is that, in a very historic manner, the local government system in Enugu State has taken the bold step of aligning with the state’s policy, particularly with respect to alleviating the hardship of the masses,” he said.

He explained that the decision was reached at the Economic Planning Commission meeting as part of efforts to address the long-standing financial obligations inherited by the councils.

“In line with the payment of the legacy gratuity that the state government embarked on a couple of days ago, the local governments have also decided at the Economic Planning Commission meeting to step into that arrangement to make sure that we clear all the gratuity inherited by us,” he added.

The ALGON deputy chairman stressed that the councils were committed to sustaining the payment arrangement until every eligible retired local government worker received their outstanding entitlements.

“Beginning from this month, we are going to key into what the state government has started implementing already by making sure that we offset those debts.

“The decision is that starting from this month, 10 per cent of our monthly allocation will be dedicated to that responsibility until it is cleared. So, once we start it, there is no going back. Every worker who worked in our local governments will have access to this entitlement,” Ukwueze stated.

He further clarified that the gratuity arrears span more than two decades, having accumulated since 2000, and assured beneficiaries that the councils intended to clear the outstanding obligations.

“For clarity, the arrears are from the year 2000, but, as I said, we are going to clear all the over 25-year legacy gratuities,” he reiterated.

Ukwueze said the initiative was designed to ease the financial difficulties faced by retirees who had dedicated their productive years to serving their respective communities and local governments.

“The essence of it, once again, is to put smiles on the faces of the masses, especially those of them who spent their youthfulness serving the public in our various local government areas,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the local government councils to working with Governor Mbah and relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security across Enugu State.

“Enugu State is safe. Enugu State is peaceful. And we will continue to partner with our governor and security agencies to keep it so,” Ukwueze added.

Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, the Bauchi State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has resigned his membership of the party, effective October 16, 2026.

Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, announced his decision in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Monday.

Despite his resignation, the former government official assured his supporters that his political ambition and commitment to the development of Bauchi State remained intact.

He explained that the decision followed careful reflection, stressing that his departure from the NDC would not weaken his resolve to pursue a better future for the state.

“My conviction remains that our dear state deserves purposeful leadership, a stronger economy, greater opportunities for our youths and women, improved security, and a future in which every citizen can live with dignity and hope,” he said.

Kashim further maintained that his political journey was far from over, assuring his supporters that the collective struggle to rescue and develop Bauchi State would continue beyond the confines of any political party.

According to him, he would continue to engage with individuals and groups committed to building a peaceful, prosperous and economically vibrant Bauchi State.

He, however, stopped short of disclosing his next political destination, saying he would communicate the next phase of his political engagement and the direction of his movement to his supporters in due course.

Kashim urged his supporters to remain calm, steadfast and united while awaiting further directives, emphasising that the ultimate objective was the welfare and future of the people rather than allegiance to a particular political platform.

“Our mission is bigger than any political party; it is about the future of our people and the destiny of our state and country,” he stated.

His resignation comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, although he has yet to announce his next political move.

Three years after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of Nigeria’s decades-old fuel subsidy, a federal lawmaker has described the decision as the most patriotic act by any Nigerian president since independence, while criticising the failure of social intervention programmes to adequately cushion the effects on poor and vulnerable citizens.

Rt. Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, who represents Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, made the remarks while delivering a public lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on October 14, 2026.

The lecture, titled “Three Years of Post-Subsidy Removal: Evaluating the Socio-Economic Effects of Nigeria’s Deregulated Downstream Sector,” examined the economic gains associated with the policy, the hardships experienced by Nigerians and the shortcomings of government-backed palliative programmes.

Recounting the circumstances surrounding the announcement, Agbo said Tinubu’s declaration on May 29, 2023, during his inaugural address, was a surprise even to members of the President’s immediate circle.

“The clause of declaration was not part of the speech,” the lawmaker said. “Not even a confidential secretary or staff had any idea.”

According to him, the unexpected announcement disrupted the activities of powerful interests that had benefited from the subsidy regime, weakened fuel smuggling and exposed the questionable consumption figures previously associated with petroleum imports.

Agbo argued that reported daily petrol consumption, which had reached 60 million litres, subsequently dropped to about 40 million litres, creating room for reforms in the downstream petroleum sector and encouraging private-sector investment in refining.

He also highlighted the emergence of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as a major development in Nigeria’s quest for domestic refining capacity and a stronger position in the international petroleum market.

The refinery, he said, has begun supplying Nigeria’s domestic market while exporting petroleum products abroad, including aviation fuel to international destinations.

“The stranglehold on the nation was removed. Nigeria could breathe again,” Agbo declared.

Reforms boost government revenue
The lawmaker maintained that subsidy removal, alongside the unification of the foreign exchange market, had significantly improved government revenue and strengthened the capacity of the three tiers of government to finance public expenditure.

Agbo said the removal of fuel subsidy was saving the government approximately ₦700 billion monthly, while foreign exchange reforms generated an additional ₦600 billion.

Together, he said, the measures had increased monthly distributable revenue to at least ₦1.3 trillion.

Citing World Bank figures presented during the lecture, Agbo said Nigeria’s real gross domestic product growth increased from 3.5 per cent in 2024 to 3.9 per cent in 2025, reaching 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026.

He further stated that federation revenue grew by 69 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025.

The lawmaker also pointed to the Federal Government’s capital expenditure, which he said had remained at about 70 per cent of the budget for three consecutive years, compared with the 25 to 30 per cent range recorded previously.

According to him, the improved fiscal position had supported major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, other strategic highways across the country and the national gas grid.

At the state level, Agbo said increased allocations had enabled several governments to settle salary and pension arrears while embarking on ambitious capital projects.

He singled out Enugu State for its budgetary expansion, noting that its budget rose from ₦167 billion in 2023 to ₦1.617 trillion in 2026.

He also cited a significant increase in the state’s internally generated revenue and capital expenditure consistently accounting for more than 80 per cent of its budget.
Households still struggling despite economic gains

Despite his strong defence of the reform, Agbo acknowledged that subsidy removal had imposed considerable hardship on Nigerians, particularly low-income earners, small businesses and households whose earnings had not kept pace with rising living costs.

He noted that petrol prices more than doubled in the first month following the announcement, triggering increases in transportation fares, food prices and the cost of operating petrol-powered generators.

According to him, the pressure on household budgets remains severe, notwithstanding improvements in some macroeconomic indicators.

“A lower inflation rate does not mean prices have returned to their old levels,” he cautioned. “Households whose incomes have not caught up remain under serious pressure.”

He argued that the success of economic reforms should not be measured solely by government revenue, GDP growth or improved fiscal statistics, but also by the extent to which ordinary Nigerians experience tangible improvements in their living conditions.

The lawmaker expressed particular concern over the implementation of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus programme, popularly known as NG-CARES, which is supported by the World Bank.

He said substantial funds had been made available to states for cash transfers, public works, agricultural support and grants to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

However, he lamented that many vulnerable Nigerians continued to complain about being excluded from government assistance.
“there is still a loud cry of government neglect.”

Agbo attributed the poor delivery of relief to the intended beneficiaries partly to what he described as a misconception of the programme’s funding structure and insufficient enthusiasm among state governments.

He said the disconnect between the resources released for social intervention and the actual relief reaching low-income households had undermined the effectiveness of the programme.

The House Committee on NG-CARES, he disclosed, had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the programme as part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

To address the shortcomings, Agbo announced that the committee was preparing legislation to establish a permanent NG-CARES Commission.

Under the proposed arrangement, funding would be sourced directly from a portion of the savings generated by economic reforms, capped at 10 per cent and charged to the Federation’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, rather than imposing the financial burden on state governments.

The proposed commission, he explained, would provide a more permanent institutional framework for delivering social protection and ensuring that economic reforms translate into measurable benefits for vulnerable citizens.
Minimum wage, student loans and alternative energy among relief measures

Agbo also highlighted other Federal Government initiatives intended to reduce the economic pressure on Nigerians.

These include the increase in the national minimum wage to ₦70,000, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), accelerated adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG), solar energy expansion and the HOPE programmes supported by the World Bank in health, education and governance.

He cited the impact of CNG adoption on transportation costs in Enugu State, noting that bus fares on the Nsukka route had reportedly fallen from ₦3,500 to ₦1,500.

According to him, these interventions demonstrate that economic reform must be accompanied by practical measures capable of improving access to education, affordable transportation, energy and essential services.

Nevertheless, he maintained that such initiatives would achieve limited results unless implementation was strengthened and assistance reached the people for whom it was intended.

Calls for permanent social protection system
Drawing lessons from India’s Direct Benefit Transfer system and employment guarantee programme, China’s poverty reduction initiatives and Brazil’s Bolsa Família social assistance scheme, Agbo argued that Nigeria needed to move beyond occasional financial distributions to a more sustainable framework for protecting vulnerable citizens.

He stressed that temporary handouts could not provide a lasting solution to the social consequences of major economic adjustments.
“Permanent reform requires permanent institutions of social protection,” he said.

“A country cannot build an enduring social contract on occasional distributions alone.”

The lawmaker maintained that an effective social protection system would help bridge the gap between the economic benefits of reform and the immediate needs of citizens bearing its costs.

He also called for stronger accountability, improved coordination between the Federal Government and states, and more effective monitoring of intervention funds to ensure that resources achieve their intended purpose.

Agbo concluded by reaffirming his support for the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the past three years as a period marked by sacrifice, resistance from entrenched interests and progress in the restructuring of Nigeria’s economy.

He insisted that reversing the policy would amount to a return to the old system, which he argued had placed an unsustainable burden on public finances and enabled widespread abuse.

The lecture, delivered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, one of the country’s foremost academic institutions, is expected to contribute to the ongoing national debate over the long-term implications of subsidy removal and the effectiveness of government interventions.

With the House Committee on NG-CARES investigating the delivery of social assistance and preparations under way for proposed legislation to establish a permanent commission, attention is likely to focus increasingly on how Nigeria can preserve the fiscal gains of economic reform while ensuring that vulnerable households are not left behind.

For Agbo, the central challenge is no longer simply whether subsidy removal was necessary, but whether the gains from the reform can be translated into lasting economic relief, social protection and improved living standards for Nigerians.

Ray Kene Ogbodo, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Enugu State for the 2027 election, has reassured his supporters that his ambition remains firmly on course despite the omission of his name from the list of candidates recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ogbodo gave the assurance in a press statement made available by his media aide, Hon. Don Victor, describing the development as a temporary challenge that would not deter him from pursuing his vision of providing credible, ethical and transformational leadership for the state.

He said he was working with the party and the electoral commission to address the issue through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, expressing optimism that it would be resolved.

“I want to reassure our supporters, political associates and the good people of Enugu State that we remain focused, determined and firmly committed to the 2027 governorship race.

“Although my name was not included in the recently published INEC list, we are taking the necessary steps in collaboration with our party and the electoral commission to resolve the matter in accordance with the law. We remain hopeful of a favourable outcome,” he stated.

The PRP candidate maintained that his political aspiration was driven by a desire to improve the lives of the people rather than personal ambition, noting that Enugu State needed leadership anchored on integrity, accountability, economic empowerment, security and improved public services.

According to him, his vision is to build a state where governance prioritises the welfare of the people, creates opportunities for residents and ensures that public resources serve the collective interest.

“Our mission has never been about personal ambition. It is about the future of Enugu State and the well-being of our people.

“We understand that the pursuit of meaningful transformation may come with challenges, but no temporary obstacle will weaken our resolve or derail our commitment to building a better Enugu.

“Our vision remains intact, and our determination is unshaken. We are committed to a state where governance works for everyone, opportunities abound and the interests of the people remain paramount,” Ogbodo added.

He expressed appreciation to his supporters across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State for their continued confidence, encouragement and solidarity, urging them to remain calm, peaceful and united as efforts to resolve the electoral issue continue.

Ogbodo also called on his followers to sustain their faith in the campaign, stressing that the current development should not distract them from the broader goal of achieving meaningful change in the state.

“At this critical moment, what matters most is our shared commitment to a better future for Ndi Enugu. Our vision remains intact, our mission is clear, our hope is alive and our determination remains unwavering.

“We shall continue to keep our supporters and followers informed as developments unfold. We remain firmly on course for Enugu 2027,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain allegations that recent staff postings and redeployments within the electoral body favoured officials from President Bola Tinubu’s South-West region.

The opposition party said it had received complaints and intelligence suggesting that personnel changes in some strategic departments and stations might reflect ethnic considerations.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it was concerned about the reported redeployment of officers from northern states who had served in Electoral Operations and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) departments.

The party alleged that some of the affected officers were replaced by personnel from Lagos and other South-West states.

“We have specific names of officers moved from Electoral Operations and ICT in a number of northern states and replaced with officers from Lagos and other South-West states. INEC may dismiss this as routine. But we have noticed a pattern, especially along ethnic lines, and we are concerned,” the party said.

Although the ADC said it was not accusing INEC of any improper motive at this stage, it warned that allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral umpire should not be treated lightly.

It stressed that any perception of sectional bias in the deployment of election officials could raise questions about the commission’s neutrality and impartiality ahead of future elections.

The party urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to publish details of the recent postings, the criteria used in selecting officers for deployment and the reasons behind the changes.

According to the ADC, such disclosure would help reassure Nigerians that electoral officials would perform their duties fairly, regardless of their ethnic background, language or state of origin.

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has instituted a suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged failures to account for $6.23 million in election-related funds and more than N1.63 trillion in other public funds.

The suit followed allegations contained in Volume II of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2023 Annual Report, published on August 7, 2026, covering various financial transactions between January and December 2023.

According to SERAP, the audit findings identified several areas of concern, including $6.23 million in payments linked to an allegedly fraudulent election-funding request purportedly made by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Other funds highlighted in the report include more than N1.25 trillion in unrecovered CBN intervention loans to state governments, N116.18 billion in loans to distressed and liquidated banks, and N262.86 billion disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2450/2026 and filed over the weekend, the organisation is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the apex bank to account for the funds and provide details of their disbursement and management.

SERAP is asking the court to direct the CBN to disclose the purposes for which the money was released, the beneficiaries, repayment status, recovery efforts and findings of any internal investigation into the alleged election-funding fraud.

It also wants the bank to identify the officials and other individuals who authorised and disbursed the affected funds, as well as disclose any disciplinary or administrative measures taken in response.

Beyond the financial transactions, the organisation is seeking information concerning seven boxes of currency notes awaiting examination, abandoned and unserviced vehicles at the CBN’s Lagos branch, and bullion vans at its Abeokuta branch.

SERAP argued that the allegations raised by the Auditor-General point to possible breaches of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the CBN Act, relevant anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The organisation said the scale and nature of the reported findings raised serious questions about the custody, expenditure, accounting, protection and recovery of public funds.

It further maintained that the CBN’s institutional independence should not shield it from constitutional audits, statutory accounting obligations, public financial scrutiny or investigations into credible allegations of fraud and financial misconduct.

In the suit filed on behalf of the organisation by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Kelechi Anwu, SERAP argued that the allegations required a credible investigation to establish the facts, determine responsibility and recover any public funds found to have been unlawfully lost.

The court’s determination of the reliefs sought by SERAP is pending.