Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Tuesday presented a record N1.62 trillion 2026 budget to the Enugu State House of Assembly, describing it as the “Budget of Renewed Momentum.”

The budget marks a 66.5% increase over the revised 2025 budget of N971 billion and reflects the administration’s shift from laying foundations to scaling transformation across all sectors.

Dubbed the Budget of Renewed Momentum, it comprises a Capital Expenditure of N1,296,092,465,000 (80% of the total) and a Recurrent Component of N321,305,000,000 (20%), totaling N1,617,397,465,000.

Governor Mbah said the budget would be funded through N870 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N387 billion from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), and N329 billion in Capital Receipts.

Sectoral Allocations

• Economic Sector: N825.9 billion (51%)
• Social Sector: N644.7 billion (40.1%)
• Administration: N128 billion
• Justice: N15.8 billion
• Regional Development: N2 billion

“Allocating N825.9 billion to the Economic Sector is strategic and deliberate. When we invest in agriculture, industry, and trade, we create jobs, reduce poverty, and generate revenue that strengthens the entire economy.”

“The performance of this sector remains central to our vision of achieving a seven-fold GDP growth in Enugu State,” the governor explained.

Key Projects and Initiatives

Infrastructure & Roads:

• Construction of 1,200 urban roads and additional rural roads
• Completion of the 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway
• Dualisation of Abakpa Nike–Ugwogo Nike–Ekwegbe–Opi-Nsukka Road
• Completion of the 21.65-kilometre Enugu–Abakaliki Expressway

Transportation:

• Acquisition of 14 additional aircraft to expand Enugu Air’s fleet to 20, with three arriving before the end of 2025
• Construction of five new transport terminals in Emene, Udi, Awgu, Four-Corners (Ozalla), and Obollo-Afor

Housing:

• 15% of the budget earmarked for 15,000 mass housing units
• Continued development of New Enugu City

Agriculture:

• Construction of 20-hectare Farm Estates in all 260 wards of the state, some already underway

Social Sector:

• Education receives 32.27% of the total budget, continuing the pattern of previous years
• Focus on Smart Secondary Schools and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges
  “There are some, who might look at what we spend on education and cringe. But what we spend currently on education is largely insignificant weighed against the future social cost of having a disproportionate population of out-of-school children,” he explained.

Other Priorities:

• Gratuities: N20 billion allocated to clear longstanding staff entitlements
• Security: N11 billion for the second phase of the administration’s surveillance system
• Health: 10% of total budget

On 2025 budget execution, Governor Mbah said:
“This means that we utilized 97.5 per cent of all the money that came into the state and achieved 83 per cent of the total budget implementation as against the revised budget of N871 billion.”

He added on revenue performance:
“The money coming into Enugu State has grown in ways we have never seen before. Our internally generated revenue is set to exceed ₦400 billion by the end of the year. It is not yet where we ultimately want to be, but it is already the highest IGR in the history of Enugu State – a 221.6% increase over 2024.”

He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies:
“Our FAAC inflow did not just meet expectations – it exceeded them by more than half. We projected about ₦150 billion but we received ₦230 billion – over 50 per cent above projection. This is not accidental. It reflects the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms.”

“The removal of fuel subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rate and other fiscal measures have strengthened key macro indicators – inflation has declined and continues to trend downwardly, interest rates have eased, and the exchange rate has stabilised. And our foreign reserve has continued to be strengthened, and recently hit the $46 billion mark.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally issued expulsion certificates to several high-profile members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The move follows the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where their expulsions were ratified over alleged anti-party activities.

The certificates were presented at a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, during which Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum officially handed over the leadership of the PDP to Senator Kabiru Turaki.

Speaking after the meeting, Turaki explained that the certificates were meant to clarify the status of the expelled members under Nigerian law, which prohibits dual party membership.

“Now that these individuals have been expelled by the National Convention, we have issued certificates of expulsion so they can show proof to other political parties that they are no longer members of the PDP,” Turaki said.

The certificates have been sent to the affected members, which include Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih.

Turaki added that the certification would inform Nigerians and relevant institutions including INEC, the police, and other security agencies of the expelled members’ status.

He warned that anyone interacting with these individuals does so “at their own risk.”

“We hope PDP members in Nigeria and the diaspora understand that the party has once again removed elements that have been disrupting our activities. Our focus now is on rebuilding and preparing to provide credible leadership for 2027,” Turaki stated.

The expulsions remain controversial, as they came amid ongoing legal disputes over state congresses.

A Wike-loyal faction, led by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and factional Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, rejected the Ibadan convention as illegitimate.

This faction held a parallel NWC meeting in Abuja on November 18, where they also announced the expulsion of some party leaders, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), former Board of Trustees Chair Adolphus Wabara, Turaki himself, and Chief Bode George.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised alarm over the withdrawal of police personnel from the security detail of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing it as a deliberate attempt to expose him to danger.

Frank made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, reacting to the recent directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering police officers attached to VIPs across the country to return to their primary policing duties.

The directive, issued on November 23, led to the withdrawal of officers assigned to several high-profile individuals, including Atiku, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and 17 others.

According to Frank, the move is unprecedented and suspicious, especially considering Atiku’s long-standing role as a key opposition figure.

“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security,” he argued.

“Why now, at a time when insecurity is rising nationwide? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive.”

He alleged that the withdrawal was part of a broader scheme to “isolate and eliminate” Atiku ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the former vice president is legally entitled to police protection.

Frank also accused President Tinubu of following a troubling political pattern he claims has taken root in parts of Africa, where leaders use state institutions to intimidate or suppress opposition politicians.

He argued that the removal of Atiku’s security is a continuation of this alleged trend.

“President Tinubu is now towing the same path where incumbents silence their critics using state power.”

“Atiku has consistently spoken about the failures of this administration, and this action is nothing short of political persecution,” he said.

Frank further alleged ethnic bias in recent security appointments, claiming the President is positioning loyalists to carry out “political assignments.”

He challenged the administration to extend the security withdrawal to the President’s associates, family members, and appointees if the directive was truly neutral.

Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times since leaving office in 2007, has not formally declared interest in the 2027 race, though speculations continue regarding his political future.

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stepped up preparations for the inauguration of the newly constituted Nkanu West Local Government Caretaker Committee, slated for Wednesday.

Party stakeholders say the inauguration is a critical step in the APC’s broader strategy to reorganise and strengthen its structures at the grassroots level across Enugu State, especially as the party positions itself for future electoral battles.

Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE on Tuesday, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West, Hon. John Ogbodo, described the move as a timely intervention that would revitalise party activities in the local government area.

He noted that the committee was carefully selected to unite members, resolve internal issues and energise the party’s base.

According to Ogbodo, the inauguration reflects the party’s renewed commitment to building a formidable presence in Enugu State.

Ogbodo confirmed that Wednesday’s ceremony will attract top APC figures from across the state, including members of the state executive council, zonal leaders, and notable chieftains from the Enugu East senatorial district.

Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola, popularly known as FRYO, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The party’s primary election took place on Tuesday in Osogbo under heavy security.

Announcing the result, officials said Adebayo secured 919 votes out of 957 accredited delegates, giving him a clear lead over other contenders.

Despite his earlier announcement of resignation from the PDP, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s name still appeared on the ballot, creating some confusion among delegates and observers.

Adebayo’s victory comes amid internal party tensions and shifting political dynamics within the Osun PDP.

Stay tuned for more…

The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced that former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will be formally inducted into the Union’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to journalism development during his administration.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the induction will take place during the 2025 NUJ Press Week scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

This year’s Press Week has the theme: “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of the Media.”

Comrade Ogbuka announced that the keynote lecture will be delivered by the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, while former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will chair the event.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Okezie Kalu, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as Chief Host.

The NUJ noted that the former governor’s induction follows a comprehensive review of his contributions to journalism across Enugu State.

During his two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi implemented landmark interventions that fundamentally strengthened the media landscape in the state.

Among his notable achievements were the rehabilitation and modernization of the NUJ Press Centre in Enugu, a widely celebrated upgrade described by the Union as “the highest financial investment in NUJ infrastructure in the history of Enugu State.”

In addition, his administration provided a new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel, sponsored several journalists on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and supported numerous professionals through capacity-building trainings and workshops.

Equally transformative was his commitment to expanding media infrastructure beyond the state capital. Under his leadership, a brand-new Press Centre was constructed for journalists in Nsukka, offering practitioners in the zone a modern, conducive workspace.

The NUJ said this decentralization effort reflected Ugwuanyi’s belief that “every journalist, regardless of location, deserves a dignified and professional environment.”

The statement added that the former governor’s humility, accessibility, and consistent respect for journalists helped nurture a positive relationship between the media and government during his administration.

“Throughout his tenure, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi demonstrated a deep appreciation of the press as a vital institution for democracy and development,” the Council noted.

“For his historic infrastructural support, unwavering commitment to press freedom and welfare, and a legacy of empowerment that continues to uplift the journalism community, the Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists hereby inducts him into its Hall of Fame this 4th day of December 2025.”

The NUJ further stated that other distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their respective fields will also be honoured as part of the annual Press Week activities, a period when journalists assess leadership performance and review the Union’s work over the year.

The Council invited members of the public, media professionals, and stakeholders to attend the ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu has put forward the name of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for confirmation as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

The nomination, announced on Tuesday, was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in an official statement.

In the letter, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to oversee the Defence Ministry and enhance the country’s security framework.

The President’s decision comes shortly after the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who previously held the defence portfolio.

General Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025, when he was relieved of the position.

A day before Badaru’s resignation, Musa was spotted at the Presidential Villa, where he held a private meeting with the President.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, the retired military officer completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria.

He later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant the same year.

Over the course of his distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, Musa held several key appointments, including: General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, HQ 81 Division, Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion, Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans and Infantry Representative, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Infantry Centre and Corps in 2019, and later commanded Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.

In 2021, Musa was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.

He subsequently became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.