Concerned Citizens of Enugu State Raise Alarms Over Governance and Mismanagement
A civil society group, the Concerned Citizens of Enugu State, has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a pattern of opaque governance, reckless contract awards, broken promises, and unaccountable debts under the leadership of Governor Peter Mba. The group raised these issues during a press conference in Abuja, where its convener, Chukwunonye Okereke, outlined their demands for transparency and accountability from the current administration.
The group highlighted several instances of alleged mismanagement, including questionable contracts and unfulfilled commitments by the Mba administration. One of the most significant concerns is the “Smart Green Schools” project, which was initially celebrated as a major educational initiative but has since become a source of controversy.
Smart Schools Project: A Disappointment
According to the group, billions of naira have been spent on awarding contracts for 260 schools that were promised to the people of Enugu. However, less than 10% of these schools have been delivered to date. The group pointed out that despite the massive investment, many classrooms remain unfinished, leaving children without access to education.
The group criticized the involvement of Sujimoto Construction, a Lagos-based real estate businessman, who was awarded a contract worth #11 billion with a mobilization of #5.7 billion. This process was not followed by proper documentation or due process, raising serious questions about the integrity of the project.
The group questioned the recent announcement that the smart schools will resume operations, asking how many of the 260 schools are actually ready. They emphasized that if 40% of the schools are not ready and fully equipped, the project has effectively collapsed.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The Concerned Citizens of Enugu State called for a forensic audit of the smart school projects, demanding immediate publication of payment records, project certificates, and details of the contractors involved. They also urged the government to provide clarity on why children’s education has been mortgaged to opaque deals that only benefit a few.
In addition to the smart schools, the group raised concerns about the recently announced 100 billion joint venture with Songhai Initiative and Tribu Ltd for the Heneke Integrated Farm. They questioned why land was handed over as “equity contribution” without the owner’s consent and demanded answers regarding the benefits to the community.
Water Supply and Health Infrastructure
The group also highlighted the failure of the Mba administration to deliver on its promise of adequate water supply within 180 days of his inauguration. Despite hundreds of millions being invested in treatment plants and boreholes, taps across the state remain dry. The group criticized the lack of progress on a $100 million foreign direct investment agreement with an Austrian company aimed at modernizing Enugu’s water infrastructure.
Similarly, the group pointed out that the administration has failed to deliver on its promise of a Type-2 primary health centre in each ward. Many of the supposed hospitals remain incomplete, with missing staff and equipment, leading to accusations of deceit.
Ongoing Issues and Calls for Action
The group also raised alarms about the ongoing demolitions of shops and properties to make way for transport terminals and “beautification” projects. They emphasized that no government should destroy livelihoods without due process, compensation, and dignity.
Additionally, the group accused the administration of grabbing ancestral lands under the guise of “Smart Cities” and “farm estates,” manipulating Certificates of Occupancy, and sidelining customary owners. They demanded that no project should proceed without community consent, open valuation, and adequate compensation.
Debt and Taxation Concerns
The Concerned Citizens of Enugu State also raised concerns about the growing debt levels in the state, with traders, shopkeepers, and keke riders facing multiple taxes. The group called for the publication of the state’s debt profile, loan agreements, and guarantees, urging the House of Assembly to convene a public hearing on the issue.
They emphasized that governance must be transparent, and citizens must be kept informed about all financial dealings. The group reiterated their demand for the release of all contract documents, concession agreements, and payment records.
Final Call for Action
In conclusion, the group stressed that Enugu cannot prosper under secrecy and mismanagement. They called for immediate action, including the suspension of further payments to smart school contractors, the publication of the Heneke Songhai/Tribu agreement, and independent verification of water projects against the 180-day pledge.
They also demanded restitution and compensation for victims of illegal demolitions, community consultation for all land allocations, and full disclosure of hotel concessions and Enugu Air partnership agreements.
The group concluded by reaffirming that Enugu belongs to its people, and they will continue to defend their rights and the future of their children.
