CRITIC ACCUSES ENUGU GOVERNMENT OF POLICIES AFFECTING YOUTHS, BUSINESSES AND STUDENTS

A social commentator identified as Zoba De Great has criticised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, accusing the government of implementing policies that have allegedly worsened economic hardship for youths, students, traders, transport operators, and low-income residents across Enugu State.

In a commentary titled “My Daily Paragraph,” the writer recalled Governor Mbah’s “Business Unusual” inaugural address where he spoke about two symbolic young men, Emeka and Ikechukwu. According to the commentary, Emeka represented frustrated youths who leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad and sometimes lose their lives in the process, while Ikechukwu symbolised young Nigerians who remain in the country and use innovation and creativity to succeed.

The writer stated that Governor Mbah had promised during the inaugural speech to create more “Ikechukwus” and reduce the number of “Emekas” leaving the country. However, he alleged that the administration’s actions since assumption of office have contradicted that promise.

The commentary accused the government of demolishing business clusters occupied by phone repairers, laptop technicians, computer dealers, and tech entrepreneurs in areas including Holy Ghost, Garriki, Abakpa, and Ogige Nsukka with only short notices allegedly given and without compensation or relocation alternatives. According to the writer, the demolitions caused pain, confusion, economic losses, and hardship among affected traders and young business owners.

The article further alleged that the administration demolished the Osisatech Polytechnic, while also increasing tuition fees in institutions such as Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Institute of Management and Technology, and ESCET, making education increasingly difficult for low-income families.

The writer also criticised the economic situation in the state, alleging that taxes on businesses, shop rents, house rents, and ground rents have increased significantly. According to the commentary, rising living costs have made housing increasingly unaffordable for civil servants and average residents, despite the ₦80,000 minimum wage.

Transport operators, including commercial tricycle and bus drivers, were also mentioned in the commentary, with allegations that traffic enforcement officials exploit dysfunctional traffic systems to impose fines on motorists.

The article further accused the government of failing to adequately empower local youths and instead awarding opportunities and contracts to individuals from outside the state. The writer additionally claimed that several youth organisations across Enugu State have become divided by internal crises and factional disputes.

The commentary concluded by expressing concern that many young people in Enugu State are increasingly considering migration abroad due to economic pressure and lack of opportunities, contrary to the aspirations outlined in the governor’s inaugural message.